In her book Redeeming Love, Francine Rivers told the story of Angel who was sold into prostitution as a child. After going through a lot of horrible experiences while growing up, she met Michael Hosea who God told to marry her. Michael loved her unconditionally. Angel however was filled with an overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so, she ran away back to the darkness, away from her husband’s pursuing love. If you are a student of the Bible, you will know that Francine adapted this story from the Biblical book of Hosea. The book begins with God’s marriage instructions to Hosea to marry a lady named Gomer. After their marriage she left to pursue her lusts. But Hosea found her, redeemed her, and brought her home again, fully reconciled. That is what God did for us. We were captured by Satan and enticed into his service. We were slaves of sin without any deliverance. But still God loved us and He was determined to restore us to His household. Jesus died on the Cross to pay the price for our deliverance, a price far greater than our true value. Now we have been redeemed. Unlike Gomer or Angel, may we remain completely faithful and not allow other loves take His rightful place in our lives.
Credit: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers; Hope for each day by Billy Graham; and Life Application Study Bible.
