On 1-17-16, Hosea 1 will be our Adult Sunday School/ Uniform Series/ International Sunday School Lesson, herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as An Unfaithful Bride

An Unfaithful bride

Hosea 1

January 17, 2016

Commentary 

by

Jed Greenough

Yes, I will agree with most who view the relationship between Hosea and Gomer as reflective of the relationship between God and Israel.  If that is what you are pursuing though for your lesson preparation you will have to go check out the wealth of resources that exist that delve into that as I will not be.

What moves me rather is what Hosea had to endure and it raises a question.  How much time have you ever spent appreciating those who work for God and in effect work or have worked for you?  They might have been Hosea way back then or it might be a teacher, preacher or missionary.  Think about the things that God has asked them to do or go through so that you might learn.

In today’s scripture God wants Hosea to marry a promiscuous woman.  Surely this will motivate you to read all of the book of Hosea which should lead you to appreciate Hosea.  It is a tough lesson to see what God does through His servants to get His point across.

This makes me think about what our pastors, missionaries and individuals are asked to go through in their kingdom work.  Does it make you pray for them or support them in other ways?

Sometimes they suffer at mortal man’s hands.  Sometimes they are sharpened by God.  Who benefits? We do!

I think this lesson and the month of January are fitting months to begin a new year appreciating and showing that appreciation through prayer and support for those who do work from which we benefit.

For Discussion:

1. Discuss what God was asking of Hosea.
2. Discuss examples of what others have had to endure for the kingdom.
3. Discussing prayer for those who work for the kingdom.
4. Do you thank God for those who went before like Hosea?
5. Was Hosea the father of all the children mentioned?
6. Discuss verse 4 and 11 together.

Upcoming Lessons

1-24-16     A Wedding in Cana John 2:1-12

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved