The Word of the Lord that came unto Hosea was a word that most Christian men would have a hard time obeying. Yet, that is what Hosea did. He obeyed God.
Following God is not always the easiest thing to do.
Think of what God told Hosea to do.
The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD. — Hosea 1:2 (KJV)
As I read on in the book of Hosea, it was clear that God had a specific purpose in what He told Hosea to do. God wanted to make a public example, using Hosea’s marriage, to the people of Israel. He wanted to show Israel what they were doing and of the coming judgment of God.
God’s example of Hosea marrying Gomer was to demonstrate that Israel, too, had married the harlot. Israel had gone after the ways of the world and had forsaken the ways of God. In fact, because of Israel’s unfaithfulness, God told them He would give what was theirs to the Gentiles.
And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God. — Hosea 2:23 (KJV)
Imagine if Hosea lived today, and he was the member of a church. God told Hosea to marry a prostitute. What would the church do? Now I know that this is an extreme example to imagine, but what would be the likely outcome? Hosea is certain that he is following God. He is faithful in being obedient. However, is it likely that the church would approve? Would they hear his message? Look at what Jesus said to the church at Ephesus.
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. — Revelation 2:4 (KJV)
Have any of us, who make up the Body of Christ, lost our first love? What about the church you are a member of? Have we fallen victim to the seduction of the world? Are we in need of repentance?
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Let’s move to apply this to homeschooling our children. Do you remember why you decided to homeschool in the first place? You may have started for many reasons. You might have started out with your children in public school and you didn’t like what your children were learning. It could be that you wanted your children to get a better education. Perhaps you were being obedient to God with the desire to train your children up in the way they should go. Maybe Deuteronomy 6:4-9 made such an impression on you that you decided you must teach your children at home.
The reasons to homeschool could be many. How is your conviction holding up? Do you sometimes feel persecuted? Does pressure from family, friends, and even other church members get to you? What if the laws of the land changed so that it was now required for your children to attend the government school? What would you risk for your convictions?
I heard a radio talk show host speaking about homeschooling his children. When asked about homeschooling through high school, he wavered. He gave the answer, something to the effect, that someday his children will need to face the world and give their own witness. While there is truth in that statement, I don’t believe that most children will be able to do that. As children, younger or older, they still need the protection and guidance that God gives them through their parents. They can face the world and give witness when they are an adult.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. — 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (KJV)
Stand by your convictions by the power of God. Seek the Lord for strength at all times. Hold fast the course that God has set before you. Please God and not man. In all things, give praise, honor, and glory unto God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God bless, Mike