The Daily Office for September 30, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
Hosea dates his prophecy according to the kings reigning in the southern kingdom because it was the more stable kingdom and the kingdom to whom the Messiah ultimately would come. Uzziah began his reign in the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam II and reigned for fifty-two years. By calculating the minimum numbers of years each king reigned, it can be seen that Hosea’s ministry was extensive — from fifty to seventy years in length.
It has frequently been said that a preacher should be the embodiment of his or her message. This was true of Hosea to a degree that most preachers would not care to be true of them. God was going to use the main details of the prophet’s life to be representative of His dealings with and feelings for the nation Israel. There are four particulars that are relevant to God’s purpose: (1) His marriage to Gomer, (2) his children by Gomer, (3) his contention, or problem, with Gomer, and (4) his care for Gomer.
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you: pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself, and so bring us at last to your heavenly city where we shall see you face to face; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.