I like reading different translations of the Bible. Sometimes you will get a new insight with a new version. As a result, I started reading God’s Word Translation for the first time. For some reason, I started in the book of Hosea. And indeed, I received a great insight.

When you are reading the book of Hosea, you should be trying to discover the nature and character of God. Hosea is supposed to discover the nature of God and apply it to his relationship with his wife Gomer. Israel is supposed to see the character of God and change their beliefs to coincide with the nature of God. And we are supposed to make a modern-day application and yield ourselves to who God is and what He is like.

When I got to the last chapter of the book, I discovered in my reading where not to put my hope and what the true nature of God is.

Assyria cannot save us. We won’t ride on horses anymore. We will never again say that the things our hands have made are our gods. You love orphans.

HOSEA 14:3 GWT

Hosea discovers that hope wasn’t found in politics. They couldn’t make a political deal with Assyria to find a bright future. And military might was not going to give them hope as he mentioned riding on horses, a sign of military strength. And false religion was certainly not going to give them a joyful anticipation of the future as he mentions gods made with their own hands. Then after revealing where Hosea and Israel won’t find their hope, the true nature of God is revealed to give them the ultimate hope.

“You love orphans.”

What is God like? God loves orphans. Maybe you were looking for something more comprehensive or complex, but this definition will do. Hardly anything explains the character of God more than He loves orphans. It is hopeful because most people don’t and idols can’t.

The next time someone asks you what God is like. Maybe you should say, “God Loves Orphans!”

They may want your explanation to be more extensive, but it would be a good starting place.

Christian Relief Fund is all about helping orphans. We believe it is in the nature and character of God. 

Why do we offer opportunities to sponsor children at CRF? Because God loves orphans!


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