Uhm... no. Not The Mayberry version of Gomer--but Gomer. Hosea's wife, Gomer. You see, in the story of Hosea, Gomer is a prostitute. She leaves the lover of her soul to be with other men--other loves. Each time Gomer leaves, Hosea goes after her and takes her back home. Each time she leaves--no matter how much trouble she gets into, Hosea goes back to find her and take her back home. At one point, he even purchases her back out of bondage. Hosea--a prophet of Jehovah God, is in a marriage to a woman who abuses his love, trust, and sleeps with other men, and yet he takes her back unconditionally.
I am Gomer. No--I am not a prostitute. But I do leave the lover of my soul for another love. I leave my God to pursue other gods--security, love, selfishness... the list goes on. You see, I sell myself into worldliness--away from Godliness.
But here is where my story diverges from Gomer's. Hosea was commanded each time to go and bring Gomer back. When God seeks me out, it is purely out of His desire for me, not because He is commanded to. I mean really--who would send Him?! But the beauty of this story is mind blowing. I am God's treasure. He values me--and seeks me out. No matter where I run, He goes after me, and brings me back home.
Hosea gave consequences to Gomer--she was forbidden to be with any man--Hosea included. After a suitable period, Gomer was allowed to resume her intimate relationship with Hosea. Whenever I run, God allows me to face consequences--but the end reward is always His blessings.
What have I done to deserve such an awesome God?! Provider for my soul--Mountain of strength, brook of respite, and the fragrance that my soul longs for.
