The Heart of the Harlot
For a spirit of harlotry is within them, and they do not know the LORD Hosea 5:4
Harlotry – Hosea was a man none of us would aspire to be. He encountered the dangerous God. He obeyed the dangerous God. As a result, he spent his life in ridicule as the cuckolded husband of a prostitute. It’s difficult to imagine God telling me to marry and be faithful to a spouse who continues to have intercourse with others. But God had a message to deliver through Hosea and Hosea’s faithfulness delivers a message to us.
God wanted Israel to see that its idolatry was the equivalent of adultery in marriage. All sexual relations within the Kingdom are authorized by formal covenant between two parties under the benediction of God. That means that no sexual relationship that is not ordained by God is recognized as valid in His Kingdom. Of course, this sexual regulation is based on a deeper commitment; the commitment to a totally faithful relationship between God and His children in all of their affairs. So, Hosea can use the word zanah to describe both breaking the marital covenant and breaking the faith covenant. When I involve myself in relationships that are not exhibiting God’s covenant with me, I play the harlot.
Think about that for a minute. My covenant relationship to God demands that I honor, serve and obey Him, forsaking all others. That means that my behavior must reflect the character of the One Who established this covenant. Where it does not, I am flirting with another lover. When I bend the truth to make the deal, I am spurning my heavenly spouse in favor of an affair. When I rely on my own strength and cunning to get the advantage, I am offering myself for a price. When I ignore the needs of others, I am dressing to attract a consort. When I refuse to forgive, I am sleeping with the enemy.
God does not forget such insults. Deuteronomy 8:19 introduces us to the consequences of adultery of the heart. It is not pleasant. But we need to hear His warning. We are the prostitutes of the Lord, determined to have our own pleasures in spite of His faithfulness. He woos us back, but He warns us not to tarry.
“Father, I have broken my vows. Be merciful to me and gather me in Your arms. I miss the intimacy of Your embrace. I need Your love. Renew Your covenant with me.”
