I recently read Francine Rivers novel, Redeeming Love.
Today I had the privilege to attend the movie adaptation of this novel along with close friends.
The subject matter is difficult. Dark in fact.
Having read the book, I was pleased with how closely the movie version stayed true to the author’s vision.
How does this relate to Bible study?
Francine Rivers novel is based on the book of Hosea.
Consider the following verses from Hosea:
NET Hosea 1:2 When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, he said to him, “Go marry a prostitute who will bear illegitimate children conceived through prostitution, because the nation continually commits spiritual prostitution by turning away from the LORD.”
NET Hosea 3:1 The LORD said to me, “Go, show love to your wife again, even though she loves another man and continually commits adultery. Likewise, the LORD loves the Israelites although they turn to other gods and love to offer raisin cakes to idols.”
NET Hosea 3:2 So I paid fifteen shekels of silver and about seven bushels of barley to purchase her.
NET Hosea 3:3 Then I told her, “You must live with me many days; you must not commit adultery or have sexual intercourse with another man, and I also will wait for you.”
NET Hosea 3:4 For the Israelites must live many days without a king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred fertility pillar, without ephod or idols.
NET Hosea 3:5 Afterward, the Israelites will turn and seek the LORD their God and their Davidic king. Then they will submit to the LORD in fear and receive his blessings in the future.
- What reason above does the Lord share for instructing Hosea to marry a prostitute?
- Using the imagery of the verses above what state is your relationship with God?
- Obedient like Hosea?
- Rebellious like Hosea’s wife (Gomer)?
- Vacillating between obedience and rebelliousness?
- Other?
- Have you experienced broken relationships?
- What do these verses indicate it takes a broken relationship to heal?
- What do you learn about the Lord’s faithfulness to you in these few verses?
- Who in your life needs to receive the hope of redemption the Lord provides?
Heavenly Father, most holy and righteous One, forgive us our tendency to run away from You. Thank you for your words of healing promises that You have shared with us through your scripture. Enable us to be vessels of hope to those in our circles and even wider communities.
Blessings,
Barbara Lynn
PS. Consider reading the book of Hosea and Francine Rivers novel, Redeeming Love. Thanks to my friend who suggested I do the same!
Update on 1.29.2022 – Before venturing forth to read Francine Rivers novel, Redeeming Love and especially before viewing the newly released film please first read another viewpoint as to the difficulties this dark subject matter could trigger for those who struggle with sexual sin or come from an abusive past.
Please remember the novel and movie are not scripture.
Although I disagree with some of what is shared in the other viewpoint linked above I do strongly encourage you to please seek the Lord’s discernment as to whether this is something you personally should pursue.
Please also pray for those who have or may be negatively impacted by reading the novel or viewing the film to be released from this harm and given a fresh new start with the Lord as their loving redeemer.
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I, too, have read the book and also read Hosea. It is remarkable and a little strange–both books! What God asked of Hosea seemed very hard to me. Both Hosea did as he was asked and loved his wife through it all.
Barbara, you have a very loving, proud husband.
Thanks Caryl.