It is one of life’s bitter ironies that, well before the satanic horror of today’s (September 10, 2025) assassination of Charlie Kirk, I had planned to write a post promoting the latest album by the exceptionally talented worship artist Rachel Wilhelm, inspired by the book of Hosea. In it, we encounter words that resonate deeply with today’s news and world:
For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind
We also find:
(M)y people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.
Is there a better message for today?
If you’ve ever tuned into my Cephas Hour podcast, you’ve heard Rachel Wilhelm’s impressive work. She is one of those rare artists who blend artistic excellence with ministerial integrity, creating a harmonious mix of art and worship that blesses and edifies while satisfying a craving for pure music, rich in intricate melody and accompaniment yet thankfully indifferent to commercial considerations. A couple of examples:
But why Hosea as the theme for her new album?
“I chose Hosea because I love the Prophets and believe they have a lot to say about our times today. This album is different from my others. If you refresh your memory by reading the 14 chapters of Hosea, and read it slow, you will see a God who cares about the abused. A God who holds church leaders accountable in the most frightening ways. A God who loves his Bride even though she prostitutes herself and leaves the safety of his arms. A God who hates that his people are sex trafficking their sons and daughters to cult prostitution and killing their babies for a god that is not the true God. Yahweh laments this and their excellent crafting of idols, leading his people confused and astray. He promises infertility and emptiness as a consequence for their harlotry. But his message in the end is always consistent and the same: He loves his Bride, the Church, and he will restore her and bring her to himself.”
Hosea is a sobering read, composed during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, who were kings of Judea. The four form an intriguing quartet. Uzziah was regarded as a good king but ultimately succumbed to his own pride, leading to his death as a leper. His son Jotham was also considered a good king, but Scripture notes that the people “continued their corrupt practices” under his rule. Ahaz was a wicked king who worshipped idols and suffered greatly for it, whereas Hezekiah was the complete opposite.
God instructed Hosea to marry a prostitute, which he did, and they had children together. After his wife returned to her old ways, God further commanded Hosea to take her back. Through Hosea, God expressed words of both condemnation and reassurance, unwavering in His denunciation of their sin yet equally generous in extending His mercy and love for His people.
Hosea offers a message as relevant today as it was during its writing. We need both its challenge and its comfort. We are fortunate to have artists like Rachel Wilhelm who are attuned to the Word and God’s creative power at work through His creation for the benefit of others. Currently, Wilhelm, a truly independent artist, is attempting to gather enough funds to complete and release her new album. She is not pursuing an exorbitant amount. If you seek something that offers genuine ministry, please consider supporting Rachel Wilhelm’s fundraiser, which ends on September 15, 2025. She is organizing the campaign through United Adoration at
Now is the moment to continue the endeavor of promoting the Truth of the whole Gospel. Supporting worthy artists such as Rachel Wilhelm is a wonderful place to begin.
