GOMER THE DAUGHTER OF DIBLAIM (4)

DEEPLY AND UNSELFISHLY LOVED

RECAP: SPIRITUAL ADULTERY - The Lord used Hosea and Gomer’s relationship [unconditional love] as an object lesson to show how Israel had sinned against Him by following other gods and how God remains faithful even when His people don’t.

RESUME: UNRELIEVED AGONY – Imagine this; shortly after baby Loruhamah had been weaned than Gomer conceived again. It was another boy. God told Hosea to call him Lo-ammi, which meant “not my people,” or “no kin of mine.” It symbolized Israel’s alienation from God, but it also exposed Gomer’s sinful exploits. The child born in Hosea’s house was not his.  Now, after bearing three children, Gomer left Hosea to live with another man. 

Then, even with this painful experience, God gave Hosea another, even more amazing, command: "Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods" (Hosea 3:1). Can we be obedient as Hosea? He brought his wife back with fifteen shekels of silver and some barley (verse 2)! This loyal love, undeterred by Gomer’s unfaithfulness, God meant as a representation of His own love for His wayward, idolatrous people.

H

osea prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezkiah in Judah and the last six kings in Israel. Isaiah was a contemporary prophet, and he used some very strong language to describe Judah’s unfaithfulness. Through Isaiah, God calls Jerusalem "a whore" (Isaiah 1:21, ESV) because of her spiritual unfaithfulness.

Whereas the entire second chapter of Hosea’s prophecy describes God’s relationship with his unfaithful wife Israel, it is a bit challenging to escape the feeling that it grows out of Hosea’s relationship with Gomer, pack in as it is between two chapters that clearly describe that sad and sordid story. He implored with her (2:2). He threatened to disinherit her (2:3). But still she ran off with her lovers because they promised to lavish material things on her (2:5). He tried to stop her on occasion (2:6), but she continued to seek her companions in sin (2:7). Hosea would take her back in loving forgiveness and they would try again. But her repentance would be short-lived and soon she would be off again with another new lover. …to be cont’d

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

GOMER THE DAUGHTER OF DIBLAIM (3)

DEEPLY AND UNSELFISHLY LOVED

RECAP: The very first thing God ever said to Hosea tells us about his unlikely marriage: "Go, take to yourself a wife of harlotry, and have children of harlotry; for the land commits flagrant harlotry, forsaking the Lord" (Hos. 1:2).

RESUME: So, we now have Hosea and Gomer wed and starting a family. Hosea loved his wife with a deep and unselfish love, and the early days of their marriage was lovely, it was shortly after the birth of Jezreel (God named the baby, for his name was to have prophetic significance to the nation of Israel. He called him Jezreel, because it was at Jezreel that King Jeroboam’s great grandfather Jehu had first come to the throne by ambitious crimes of bloodshed and violence. While his dynasty was prospering at the moment, its destruction was on the horizon and it would happen in the valley of Jezreel (Hos. 1:4, 5) that Hosea seems to have noticed a change in Gomer; she became impatient and unhappy.  Nonetheless, he went on preaching, inspiring the disobedient nation to turn from its sin and trust God for deliverance from the threat of surrounding nations. “Return unto the Lord!” was the theme of his message, and he preached it repeatedly with power (Hos. 6:1; 14:1). But Gomer she did not share her husband’s love for God and seemed less and less interested in his ministry; more than likely, grew to resent it. Soon, she began to find other interests to occupy herself, and spent more and more time away from home.

THE REAL STORY OF HOSEA AND GOMER

I’ve learned from my time of reading the Bible’s scriptures that if I take a deeper look into all the cross-references, not only is there a treasure to be found in the 'real' meaning of the passage, but  how each message is applicable to me. Wow, right?  So, let’s go on with the real story of Hosea and Gomer’s marriage.

We know that the Lord views Israel as His wife, and he viewed her worship of other gods as spiritual adultery…see where I’m going with this? The Old Testament speaks frequently of Israel whoring after or playing the harlot with other gods (e.g., Deut. 31:16; Judg. 2:17). Our Lord God Almighty told Israel from the very beginning that he would not share her with others.  So, why did he say to Hosea: “Go, take to yourself a wife of harlotry, and have children of harlotry; for the land commits flagrant harlotry, forsaking the Lord” (Hos. 1:2)?    Well, these instructions have been diversely understood by different students of Scripture through the years. In one of my studies, however, it stated that by taking a wife of harlotry would simply refer to marrying a woman from the northern kingdom of Israel, a land which was guilty of spiritual adultery.

SPIRITUAL ADULTERY

As we read more of the marriage of Hosea and Gomer, we come to learn that after the birth of their second child, a daughter, Hosea was most likely to be feeling pains of doubt about her faithfulness to him. At God’s direction, he called her Loruhamah, which means “unpitied” or “unloved,” implying that she would not enjoy her true father’s love. Once again, the name was symbolic of Israel’s wandering from God’s love and the discipline she would soon experience. But even that spiritual message could not soothe the prophet’s troubled soul ….....

.................to be cont’d

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

GOMER THE DAUGHTER OF DIBLAIM (2)

God gave Hosea an unusual command: “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord” (Hosea 1:2). 

Hosea obeyed by marrying Gomer, and the early days of marriage for Hosea and Gomer were probably beautiful as their love began to bud. and the couple had two sons and a daughter (verses 3–8). 

There are some commentators who believe that God’s description of Gomer as “promiscuous” is prophetic—that is, God’s command anticipated her infidelity, and only later did she become an adulteress. Remember, our Lord and Savior used Hosea and Gomer’s relationship as an object lesson to show how Israel had sinned against Him by following other gods and how God remains faithful even when His people don’t.

We’ve studied that God soon blessed their marriage with a son. We can guess how Hosea’s heart must have burst with delight. Now, by this time, he’s probably convinced that his marriage would be better than ever with a son to improve their home. God named the baby, for his name was to have prophetic significance to the nation. He called him Jezreel, because it was at Jezreel that King Jeroboam’s great-grandfather Jehu had first come to the throne by ambitious crimes of bloodshed and violence and meaning "God sows." I would guess that the name was intended to signify the replanting of Israel back on its own soil after it had been dispersed in exile. Then there was a second son who was called Lo Ami, meaning "not my people, " to indicate God's rejection of Israel as His people because of its faithlessness. Lastly, Hosea's daughter by Gomer was metaphorically named Lo-ruhamah, meaning "the unpitied one." ….to be cont’d

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

GOMER THE DAUGHTER OF DIBLAIM (1)

HOSEA LOVED HER BACK TO THEIR MARRIAGE

We last studied Hosea and Gomer, in May 2017. At that time part of our study centered on the stages of Israel’s relationship with God are depicted in the prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, as well as in Hosea’s relationship with Gomer (see below). Beginning today, we will dig a bit deeper into a fuller and more in-depth understanding of the multifaceted message of this love story. And still, the center is GOD. 

And we’ll give a bit of background on Hosea and his real purpose in the story. But, please know this; God observes Israel as His wife, and He views her worship of other gods as spiritual adultery.

 ISRAEL’S APOSTASY AND HOSEA’S MARRIAGE (3:1)

Stage	Israel’s Prophets	Hosea’s Marriage
Betrothal	Jeremiah 2:2	Hosea 1:2
Marriage	Ezekiel 16:8-14	Hosea 1:3
Adultery	Jeremiah 5:; Ezekiel 16:15-34	Hosea 3:1
Estrangement	Jeremiah3:8-10; Ezekiel 16:35-52	Hosea 3:3,4
Restoration	Ezekiel 16:53-63	Hosea 3:5

Old Testament scripture teaches us that often there is the referral of Israel whoring after or playing the harlot with other gods (e.g., Deut. 31:16; Judg. 2:17). God had told Israel from the beginning that he would not share her with others. “You shall have no other gods before Me” was the first of his ten great commandments (Ex. 20:3). Nonetheless, she had stubbornly ignored His command, and by the days of Jeroboam II, the condition was intolerable. God was about to speak once and for all, and He chose first a prophet named Amos. The former herdsman of Tekoa thundered God’s warning of imminent judgment, but the nation paid little attention. So, God spoke again, this time through the prophet Hosea whose name meant "Jehovah is salvation."   Hosea was the son of Beeri and seemingly belonged to the upper classes. Judging from his elegant style, he was highly cultured.

THEN ALONG COMES GOMER. God is an awesome God. As much as we can, we ought study, study, and study His word, while asking and seeking wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Here we have God telling Hosea: “Go, take to yourself a wife of harlotry, and have children of harlotry; for the land commits flagrant harlotry, forsaking the Lord” (Hos. 1:2).  God directed him to take her as his wife, and so it was that Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, became the unlikely wife of a prophet…to be cont’d

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

THE LORD IS INCOMPARABLE

Psalm 89:6
King James Version (KJV)

6 For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord?

Psalm 89 is a messianic psalm reaffirming the Davidic covenant in which his Seed will reign. It shows that God is able to rescue His promise from the depths of the grave, if necessary to fulfill it.

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

JOHN THE BELOVED DISCIPLE

IN TELLING of the life of that great apostle who began his work after Christ’s death, it seems fitting to tell you that he lived to be the last man alive who had known and talked with Jesus; his name was John.

Among that valiant little band who walked with Jesus during His brief ministry on earth, none is so interesting to us as that "beloved disciple" – as he has ever since been called-John, the son of a fisherman of Galilee.

Jesus loved all his disciples. We may even doubt if He had anything in His heart but pity and compassion for Judas; but to John He gave a large measure of this divine affection.

There were three especially intimate disciples among the twelve, an inner circle mysteriously close to Jesus than the other nine, and these three were John, his brother James, and Peter. Luke tells us that Jesus committed to John and Peter the arrangements for the Last Supper. Peter, John and James alone witnessed the Transfiguration. They alone were present, according to Mark, in the dark hours of Gethsemane.

The Disciple Who Best Understood

The Love and Beauty of Jesus

Although it was to Peter that Jesus confided the charge of His brotherhood, He gave to John the fullest measure of His friendship. Peter could found and manage the brotherhood; it was John who could breathe into it the love and beauty and mystery of the Master. So, we see that John outlived all the other disciples, and _had penetrated the brotherhood, and was secured to all the ages to-do Galilean fisherman named Zebedee, able to hire servants and to live in some ease.  John and James, his two sons, probably received some education in their boyhood and certainly from their mother, the pious Salome, they must early and all through life have gained a desire to live closely with God.

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

THE LAWS OF SOWING AND REAPING

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7
King James Version (KJV)

9:6 Giving bountifully (“literally with blessings”) blessed both the recipients and those who give.

9:7 cheerful, hilaros (hil-ar-oss); Strong’s #2431: Willing, good-natured, joyfully ready. The word describes a s spirit of enjoyment in giving that sweeps away all restraints. The English word hilarious is a transliteration.

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

OUR HEAVENLY FATHER GIVES GOOD GIFTS

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Not only is God not responsible for human sin, He is the source of all good. In contrast to the wandering heavenly bodies He created, God is unchangeable. He always keeps His promises.

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

FORGIVENESS AND HEALING

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Psalm 103:3

 DIVINE HEALING. This is a definite OT promise of bodily healing based upon the character of Yahweh as the Healer. It is clear that the dimension of healing promised here is specifically to include physical wholeness. The text reinforces the healing covenant, since the Hebrew word tachawloo (diseases) is from the same root (chawlah) as the word for "disease" in Ex. 15:26 (makhaleh). Further, the words for "heal" are the same in both passages (Hebrew rapha), the distrinct meaning involving the idea of mending or curing. The two texts form a strong bond (Deut. 19:15; 2 Cor. 13:1). These two verses bear witness from the OT that the Lord not only forgives iniquities He heals our diseases. If under the former covenant bodily healing was pointedly included with the Father’s many other benefits, we can rejoice and rest in faith.

The New Covenant "glory" exceeds everything of the Old (2 Cor. 3:7-11), and we can be certain that God, in Christ, has made a complete provision for the well-being of our total person.

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

THE WEATHER SIGNS

JESUS WARNS OF NOT 

DISCERNING THE TIMES

Luke 12:54-56 

King James Version (KJV)

54 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.

55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.

56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

Jesus is warning the people that they knew how to interpret weather signs but were ignorant of the signs of the times, that is, the fulfillment of the kingdom in the Person of Jesus.

Reflection: How good are we at reading signs?  Jesus expected his disciples to read the signs of the times accurately! While up-to-the-minute technology gives us greater accuracy for pinpointing troublesome tempests and quakes, our ability for discerning spiritual trouble and averting spiritual disaster seems to be in need of desperate repair or at least improvement. 

The people of Jesus' time expected that the coming of the Messiah would be accompanied by extraordinary signs and wonders. False messiahs had made great claims to attract followers, such as cleaving the Jordan River in two or causing the walls of Jerusalem to fall. Jesus knew the hearts of those who came to test him. They were more interested in signs and supernatural phenomena than they were in the word of God. Simeon had prophesied at Jesus' birth that he was "destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that inner thoughts of many will be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35). 

Jesus gave them no sign except himself and the ultimate proof of his divinity when he rose from the dead. The Lord reveals himself to us in many ways -- in his word and in the "breaking of the bread" in the Lord's Supper -- the body of Christ, in his creation, and even in the everyday circumstances of our lives. If we seek the Lord, we can be confident that he will give us everything we need to do his will. Most of all the Lord assures us of his presence and the promise that he will never leave us.  Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you; all things pass: God never changes.  Patience achieves all it strives for.  Whoever has God lacks nothing, God alone suffices. Is God enough for you?

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

PRAYER FOR REALIZATION

THE IDENTITY of FAMILY 

IS IN GOD

                                                                          Ephesians 3:14-21

 

FAMILY ORDER. 

Humanly speaking, we link the identity of a husband, wife, and children to their particular family name.  This, however, is only a surface identification.  Family identity has a deeper root.  If we are to be success families in Christ, we are commanded to adhere to the below:

"Family" is a word that is rooted in God:  God is Father-the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  In Himself, God is a "divine family."  This also expresses itself in the way that God relates to people.

B

elievers, the Bible reveals this aspect of God’s nature in rich and varied use of family imagery: God is our Father, God is Husband to His people.  God is Nurturing Mother, Christ is the Bridegroom of the church.

When a man and a woman come together in marriage, God extends to them this name that in essence belongs to Him-the name of family.  Husband, wife, and children live up to the true meaning of this name as they reflect the nature and life of the divine family in their human family.  Gen. 1:26-28; 1 Cor. 11:3

This apostolic prayer is for the Holy Spirit’s power to fill every believer, which is the logical need if the grand objective is to be realized.   

•         3:16 STRENGTHENED with might is literally “become mighty by His power," which the Holy Spirit brings to work in the believer.

•       3:17 ROOTED like a tree and grounded like a building on a strong foundation.

•     3:18 COMPREHEND means to receive experientially, not simply to understand intellectually.

TO KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST is the essence of the greatest fullness.  All the fullness of God speaks of more than one experience or one aspect of His truth or power.  It points to a broad-based spiritually, balanced through participating in all of God’s blessings, resource, and wisdom.

FULNESS, that which has been completed.  The word describes a ship with a full cargo and crew, and a town with no empty houses. 

So, Friends, there you have it.  We have ‘all’ we need to be a FAMILY IN GOD.  Do you want to be counted among those in God’s Family?  I do.  We can make it happen together; one family at a time.  Amen

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

DAVID'S DYING CHARGE

THE SECURING OF SOLOMON’S THRONE

1 Kings 2-1-3; 10-11;12

King James Version (KJV)

2 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,

2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;

3 And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:

David Dies

10 So David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David.

11 And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.

Solomon Is Established as King

12 Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

Final Acts of King David

I go the way of all the earth: David, son of Jesse – Israel’s greatest king, apart from the Messiah – recognized that he was but a man and shared the common destiny of all the earth. Knowing he would soon pass from this life, David gave a final charge to Solomon.

1 Chronicles 28 and 29. It specifically highlights Solomon’s duty to build the temple.

Be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man: Possibly King David recognized certain a weakness in Solomon. Or he knew Solomon would be tested in far greater ways than before. Whatsoever the precise reason was, the King knew Solomon needed strength and courage (prove yourself a man). Boundless responsibilities require great strength and courage.

The King and Father David recognized that Solomon would face great challenges, whether he knew it or not. Recall that this very same communication was used by the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4:9 as they encouraged one another in their battle against impossible odds.

WHAT ARE WE TO TAKE AWAY FROM THESE PASSAGES TODAY?

 Our King and Abba Father Lord Jesus would have us His children to keep the charge of the LORD our God: we CAN NOT be strong or courageous without obedient fellowship with God.

In Conclusion

David rested with his fathers: This expression will become conjoint throughout 1 and 2 Kings to pronounce the passing of a king from this world. Truly, David passed from this life to eternal rest and reward.

So, ended the earthly life of one of the greatest men ever to walk the earth. So, he died in a good old age, full of days and riches and honor. (1 Chronicles 29:28)

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.