Gomer "Completion"

Rev. Barbara Brown

Gomer, Mrs. Promiscuous

Name Meaning—Gomer means “completion,” that is, the filling up of the measure of idolatry, or ripeness of consummate wickedness. Her name was indicative of the wholesale adultery and idolatry of the kingdom she represented. As “a wife of whoredoms,” this woman of the Northern Kingdom, regarded as an idolatress, became a symbol of her people.

In the story, then said the Lord unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the Lord toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine.

She became the wife of Hosea, the godly prophet, and symbolized God’s grace in taking out of a world which had whorishly departed from Him. Thus, as the unfaithful wife of the prophet, she went deeper into sin, left Hosea and became the slave of one of her paramours.

Commanded by God, Hosea bought her back, paying the price of fifteen pieces of silver and for an homer of barley, and a half homer of barley. And I said unto her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for another man: so will I also be for thee.

Three points I want to make regarding this story. The first point is, adultery is no more or less a sin than any other transgression. Ooh, this is tough to swallow! Adultery means a broken marriage, vow, a severe breach of trust, a risk of disease or pregnancy, a shattered relationship, and a sacred act made profane. According to Romans 3:23, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

The second point is, we do not need to judge.  I can hear you say she did not even know your name? How could you look past her sexual sin and see her broken, empty heart? She didn’t even ask to be forgiven. She didn’t even say the words I’m guilty or I’m sorry. She didn’t deserve your favor. Lord! According to Luke 6:37, judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Women of God open your arms to women that have been through the fires and storms of life. Receive them, love on them, and help to restore them!

The third point is based on truth, which is none of us deserves God’s gift of grace. What we deserve is fire and brimstone. Look at what God offered instead, Grace instead of condemnation. Like Hosea, women of God become vessels of unconditional love. When women with “a” history leave our churches or neighborhoods, or friendships, go after them willing to let go of the past. Be the light of Jesus with an invitation to come back. God promised that He will never leave or forsake you.  His arms are open wide.

Here is my question for you: Are your arms open, ready to love and forgive?

Rev. Barbara Brown is an Associate Pastor at Davis Memorial A.M.E. Church. She is a faithful servant of God with the guiding principle, "...to whom much is given, much is required".

<References: www.biblegateway.com/resources/all-women-bible/Gomer.; Higgs-Curtis, Liz; Really Bad Girls of the Bible; Hosea 3:1-3 KJV; and Luke 6:29 KJV>

© 2018 by Barbara Brown. All Rights Reserved.