Re:Verse reading–Hosea 1, 3, 14 (day seven)
Then the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by her husband, yet an adulteress, even as the Lord loves the sons of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes.” Hosea 3:1
Hosea 3:1 is as damning as verses come. Both Gomer and Israel have left their first loves for an illusion of affection that fades faster than it came. This text reminds me of another, Revelation 2:4.
But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Revelation 2:4
Here in Revelation Jesus acknowledges seven churches, five of which he tells to prepare for the impending parousia by repenting (2:5, 2:16, 2:21, 3:3, 3:19). It is no accident that in the first three chapters of Revelation Jesus calls the churches to repent 5 different times. Sincere repentance is the only way to eternal salvation.
The first church Jesus speaks to is the church in Ephesus. He charges them with losing their first love. At one time they were near to God, learning and living His ancient ways, but recently they have faltered, chasing after the new and shiny. May we never falter chasing after the shiny new packaging of temptation remaining true to the ancient way of Jesus Christ.
