Caution, this could be hazardous to the mindset of religious bigots.

When Obedience Becomes Embarrassing

Scripture: Hosea 1:2–3

“Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD.” — Hosea 1:2

Imagine being a prophet whose life was devoted to representing the holiness of God, only to be instructed to marry a woman whose unfaithfulness would bring heartache and public shame.

That was Hosea’s calling.

God instructed Hosea to enter a marriage that would become a living illustration of Israel’s unfaithfulness. The precise circumstances of Gomer’s life before their marriage are debated, but the message of their relationship is unmistakable.

Israel had turned away from God, yet God had not ceased loving His people.

What makes Hosea’s story so remarkable is the personal cost of his obedience. His marriage would expose him to pain, humiliation, and the possibility of public ridicule.

What would people think? What would they say about a prophet who entered such a relationship? Would they question his judgment or even his spiritual integrity?

Scripture doesn’t tell us how Hosea wrestled with those questions. But it does tell us that he obeyed.

Sometimes obedience requires us to surrender something we desperately want to preserve—our reputation.

Most of us want to be respected. We want others to understand our motives and think well of us. There is nothing inherently wrong with that desire.

But what happens when obedience to God threatens the very reputation we have worked so hard to maintain?

The temptation is to explain ourselves, defend ourselves, or perhaps avoid the uncomfortable assignment altogether.

Yet faithfulness to God cannot always be measured by the approval of others.

Hosea’s marriage reminds us that God may call His servants into circumstances that others misunderstand. And sometimes the people whose approval matters most to us may be the very ones who question our obedience.

Of course, we must never use a claim of divine direction to excuse conduct that violates God’s Word. Hosea’s calling was extraordinary, and it came by God’s explicit command.

Nevertheless, his experience confronts us with an uncomfortable question.

Are we willing to obey God when obedience costs us the respect of people?

Something to Consider

How much influence does the fear of what others might think have over your willingness to obey God?

The reputation we surrender in obedience to God is safer in His hands than in our own.

The Preacher and the Hoochie by Dr. E. K. Bailey