The gods we serve

“I will go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.” Hosea 2:5

Lovers – What is the principal imagery of the Hebrew root for “love” (ahav)?  It’s action!  In Hebrew, love is a verb, the description of my behavior toward another.  Love is seen in what I do, not what I say or how I feel.  So when Hosea uses the word metaphorically, he is describing the actions of the people toward those things that they truly value.  They may say that they serve God, but their behavior tells us something else.  Their real lovers are bread, water, wool, flax, oil and drink.

Hosea is the prophet of marriage.  Under God’s command, his marriage becomes a striking symbol of the unfaithfulness of Israel.  Married to a prostitute, Hosea’s life reflects the apostasy of God’s own bride, a bride who really loves what the world offers.

I will go after the daily sustenance of life (bread).  I will chase the almighty dollar in order to take care of my needs.  I forget that God is my provider.

I will go after what satisfies me (water).  I will chase the world’s offering of fulfillment and well-being.  I forget that God is the source of my refreshment.

I will go after style and success (wool and flax).  I will chase the image and seek self-sufficiency of success.  I forget that God is my benefactor.

I will go after health (oil).  I will anoint myself with the healing power in order to sustain my own life.  I will chase the eternal image of youth.  I forget that God is my sustainer.

I will go after pleasure (drink).  I will chase the world’s offer of anesthetized existence and numbed fantasy.  I will pursue what makes me feel happy.  I forget that God is my joy.

The lovers we serve.  The lovers we chase.  They are everywhere, calling to us to bow down to their seductive charms.  Just a little more money.  Just a better life.  Just a bit more success.  Just a little younger look.  Just a little more pleasure.  It all seems so harmless.  After all, it’s not like I’m cheating on my wife or my husband, is it?

Love (the verb) is the expression of my deepest desires.  My behavior tells the story.  I love what I really pursue.

Is it God, or is it bread, water, wool, oil and drink?