Hello Sweet Friends,
Today’s Reading … Isaiah 23-27, 2 Kings 18:1-8, 2 Chronicles 28-31, Psalm 48 and Hosea 1-14
I find the book of Hosea painful to read. Hosea, known as the prophet of love, is called to marry a woman of low social standing. He not only obeys but falls in love with her and offers his heart fully to his wife. Gomer, his wife, is repeatedly unfaithful to Hosea with little or no remorse. She seems totally immune to the hurt that she is causing Hosea. It is easy to feel the anger and frustration rise up in our souls as we read of this one-sided love affair.
It is also easy to see the profound representation of Israel’s relationship to their faithful God. He chose them, called them and loved them completely. From the beginning of time, God has extended grace and forgiveness to His chosen Ones. The feelings of frustration while reading Hosea reflect the feelings we had reading of the Israelites wanderings in the desert and their refusal to heed the prophets warnings to them. With each sin cycle, God forgave and accepted His people back to Him. Their tendency to fall right back into sin reveals how little remorse they had for hurting the heart of God. It is agonizing to read.
Are we any different? God chose us, before the beginning of time to be His. He loves us completely and perfectly. In response, our wandering hearts, break His with each sinful choice. We are covered in the blood of Jesus for our salvation. That is secure. The book of Hosea reignites our desire to live a life pleasing to God for no other reason than because He chose us and loves us. In response to His great love, I pray that I would be mindful of how I am loving Him. Every day, every action, every choice…may they be pleasing to the lover of my soul.
Love you all,
Kinsee
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return empty, but accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it”(Isaiah 55:11).
