“God, Where Are You?” (or, A Theodicy Odyssey) – Part IV
INTRODUCTION – A theodicy is a defense of the ways of God in the face of the existence of evil. The prophet Hosea experienced seemingly inexplicable hardship in his relationship with Gomer, his wife. We will see in this study that God’s goodness is greater than the world’s evil; specifically, God’s lovingkindness is greater than the worst betrayal.
1.GOD WAS GOOD TO HOSEA
In Hosea 1:2-3, we find that God tells the prophet to marry an openly ungodly woman. (Some suggest that Gomer was not a prostitute but would later become one. Although this interpretation is linguistically possible, it seems highly unlikely.) Later, in Hosea 3:1-3, we see that Gomer left Hosea to return to her previous life of sin. Hosea then had to redeem her with the price of a slave. How then can we state that God was good to Hosea? First, these sad events were a challenging confirmation of Hosea’s call to prophetic ministry. (Remember the title of this series: “God, Where Are You?” Listen to Vern Hall’s version of “Trouble So Hard” for a musical interpretation of the same theme.) Second, Hosea was not at fault in any way (nor was God). Third, after Hosea redeemed Gomer, there is no Scriptural indication that their relationship was ever ruptured again; they apparently lived happily ever after (especially in view of the parabolic parallel to God and Israel detailed in a moment). Fourth, the contrast between Gomer’s infidelity and God’s faithfulness clarifies that God can always be trusted, that God is always good. God gave Hosea many meaningful years of ministry, perhaps more than fifty. God was good to Hosea.
2.GOD WAS AND IS AND WILL BE GOOD TO ISRAEL
The account of Hosea and Gomer is a living picture of God’s covenant love for the nation of Israel, who regularly betrayed Him. The naming of Hosea and Gomer’s children is prophetic of Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s response: God scatters (Jezreel – 1:4), not loved (“Lo-ruhamah” – 1:6), not my people (“Lo-ammi” – 1:9). How badly had this relationship been damaged? In Hosea 4:15, God calls Bethel “Beth-aven”; in other words, the city called the House of God is now labeled the House of Evil. Israel’s betrayal after betrayal is met by God’s stunning statement of Hosea 2:19-20; God pledged His covenant of love, His “lovingkindness,” to the nation! Romans 11:25-27 reminds us that the Church has not replaced Israel. The nation was chastened but not cast off, because God was and is and will be good to Israel.
3.GOD WAS GOOD TO JUDAS ISCARIOT
The name Judas is synonymous with betrayal. In John 13:21-26, we read that Jesus Christ, God the Son, offers Judas a choice morsel, a delicacy, as a sign of His love. Verses 27-30 make it clear that Judas ate the “sop” but rejected the Savior. Later, in John 18:1-6, we see that Jesus briefly illustrated His power and authority, giving an opportunity to all, including Judas, to step over to Jesus’ side. More than three years of similar opportunities had been given to Judas, but he continued to rebel and to reject God’s goodness. Through all of this time, God remained good to Judas.
CONCLUSION – This betrayal led directly to the Cross. God’s goodness finished the work of salvation (John 19:30). With lovingkindness, God the Son took our sin, paid the everlasting price, and offers full forgiveness through faith in Him. Anyone who asks for this forgiveness will receive it and will be saved to live in heaven for eternity. May we all be people not of betrayal but of lovingkindness, because our God is good.