Since it has been a couple of weeks, let me remind you . . .The book of Hosea is a love story – but not like a romance novel- it was never meant to entertain• God’s message came to Israel in a graphic illustration,◦ played out in the life of his prophet• first, God told Hosea to marry a prostitute◦ the point was to give Israel a living re-enactment of◦ their history with God – deserting him for another god or other gods- Hosea and his wife had three children who were placed onto the stage with their parents• each of their names revealed an aspect of the unfolding crisis◦ Jezreel – a place where God would render a verdict, to bring closure◦ Lo-Ruhamah – No Mercy – God would leave them to their fate◦ Lo-Ami – Not Mine – God rejected them from being his people• so up till now, the unfolding drama has been harsh