When God created man and woman His purpose for them was to form an inseparable union through whom the earth would flourish and be filled. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). This foundational commitment, the marriage of a man and woman, would form the basic unit through whom nations would be birthed, and through whom their very survival was dependent upon.  Marriage was created as a symbol of man's relationship with God; faithfulness to this earthly institution would become the foundation for the family and representative of the faithfulness required as a member of God's family.  Anything that causes corruption  to  this foundational institution is considered an act of rebellion and contempt towards God. "Has not the LORD made them one?  In flesh and spirit they are His.  And why one?  Because He was seeking godly offspring.  So guard yourself in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth" (Malachi 2:15).

 

Adultery is robbery; it is a destructive sin that steals from the lives of all parties involved (reference 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6).  "But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself" (Proverbs 6:29).  Adultery is a deceptive sin that begins with the desire of the heart (reference Matthew 5:27-30).  "You have heard it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a worman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:27-28).  This is why it is important to  "guard your heart" (Proverbs 3:23); for most people are totally oblivious to the fate that awaits them by giving in to that first look.  "All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer ("fool") stepping into a noose" (Proverbs 7:22). 

 

Above all, adultery is a sin against God.  "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9).  In ancient Israel, adultery was considered a capital crime with the perpetrators being stoned to death.  "If a man commits adultery with another man's wife - both the adulterer and adulteress must be put to death" (Leviticus 20:10).  The Lord's dwelling was with His people and it was important that the camp be kept pure.  To break union in the marriage covenant, which was meant to be a permanent union (reference Mark 10:7-8), was symbolic of the breaking of God's covenant.  Sexual relations outside the marriage bond was a distortion of this divinely established union.  "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral" (Hebrews 13:4).  Our bodies were not created for such perversion, they were created for God.  "The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord" (1 Corinthians 6:13b).

 

The Lord had chosen Israel to be His, and, as such, they were to be fully committed to Him.  "For the Maker is your husband - the LORD Almighty is His name - the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth" (Isaiah 54:5).  As we saw in day two of our prayer devotions, Israel's desire for other gods was considered "spiritual adultery".  "But like a woman unfaithful to her husband, so you have been unfaithful to Me, O house of Israel', declares the LORD" (Jeremiah 3:20).  Spiritual adultery is as rampant today (if not more so) as it was in the first century.  We are as much guilty of being unfaithful to our spiritual husband, God, as Israel was.  "You adulterous people, don't  you know that friendship with the world is hatred towards God" (James 4:4).  What once was considered a capital crime is hardly even considered a sin.  Today, the entertainment industry glorifies sex and makes billions off of the promotion of fornication and adultery.  We are a nation, and world, in desperate need of cleansing and purification from our sexual sins.  Praise God, that He has provided a way to restoration.  "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign" (Matthew 12:39).  The Lord provided more than a sign, He has provided the way: "But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11).

 

As we turn to our reading in Hosea 2:2-23 today, we find the Lord's ultimate desire for unfaithfulness is for reconciliation, not divorce.  "...for the LORD will delight in you, and your land will be married.  As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you" (Isaiah 62:4b-5).  The Book of Hosea was written as an example of God's love for unfaithful Israel and His ultimate desire for restoration with His people. "Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress.  Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes" (Hosea 3:1).  Jesus Christ took the penalty of this sin and all others to the cross and established a new covenant with Israel; fulfilling the old and securing the commitment that Israel could never achieve in their own strength.  "For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back.  In a surge of anger I hid My face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,' says the LORD your Redeemer" (Isaiah 54:7-8).  May we continue in prayer until they are fully restored to their beloved!

 

Heavenly Father, how gracious and loving you are.  You have poured out your unfailing love and faithfulness upon your people.  "...Yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed."  In your grace you have released your people from the penalty of death for our spiritual unfaithfulness.  You took the full weight of our guilt and shame upon yourself to the cross.  Forgive us for lusting after the things of the world instead of desiring you and being devoted to you with all our heart.  "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions.  Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin...against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight...create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."  Accomplish your perfect purposes for your people Israel. As your Bride we long for the day when your people will walk down the aisle and see the beauty of their beloved Bridegroom.  Put your law in their minds and write it on their hearts.  May you be their God and they your people.  May they all know you, from the least of them to the greatest. Forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more. Restore your people and your holy city.  May all their sons be taught by the Lord and may their children's peace be great.  Establish your people in righteousness and let tyranny and terror be far removed. May they return to seek the Lord their God and come trembling to receive you and your blessings in the last days. "I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion.  I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD." How great is your love for your people.  How humbled we are to be benefactors of your unfailing love and faithfulness.  How we long for the day when all your purposes for your people will be complete.  Until then we remain in humble pray and total devotion to you our beloved Husband and Lord.  May you find pleasure in our faithfulness and take great delight in your people, finding reason to bless us once again.  In Jesus' Name. Amen.