The "plot" in the book is the prophet's marriage to a cult prostitute. He thinks his love for her will reform her ways. But that does not happen. She continues to return to the Baals. She births children in her harlotry.
Hosea laments her actions and wonders what more could have done. He begs her to return.
Today's appointed reading is Hosea 2:16-23. Here, the forgiving nature is revealed. No matter what she has done, even if her children are born during her harlotry, still they will be welcomed back. They will be accepted and claimed and named as "my children."
I am in no way meaning to imply that any of you reading this are like the wife of Hosea. (Her name is Gomer.) At least, not like her pattern of denying God. But in each of us there is that part which - regardless of God's desire to love us and hold us - turns from God to seek other things. I once heard it said that those with dramatic conversion stories find it easier to depend on God's forgiveness than those of us who have just sorta turned aside. The most painful of pastoral conversations are those in which my visitor acknowledges a desire to be closer to God, but isn't sure that God still wants to consider them a member of the family. Of course God does!
Hosea is a short book. An easy read between classes. A powerful statement of the pain God feels upon seeing our inability to accept his protection and care. And it is a great reminder of that verse which occurs over and over in the Old Testament, the one which speaks of God as "Gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.
Pastor Chris
PS I am at a pastor's conference the next couple of days. I may take advantage of the time away and sleep a bit later in the morning. I know that getting to Wi-Fi means dressing and walking to a different building. So, forgive me if there is no offering these next two days.
No comments:
Post a Comment