Every year since I can remember I have read the Bible cover to cover every year, yet at times it feels like I am flying through it especially in December when I at lightening speed race through all of the minor prophets. For this year I am trying something new, there are 12 months and 12 minor prophets so I am reading one a month, reading it slowly meditation on and reading a useful book or two about it. The first month was dedicated to the prophet Hosea and this has been a prophetiable exercise (I groaned too). I have read Hosea before I have even preached on his relationship with his wife Gommer and how that parallels God's relationship with his unfaithful people. However I have always thought of this in terms of God's extravagant grace yet the picture in this section of the prophet's writing and indeed throughout his book is one of extravagant love. whilst there is a major judgement theme in the book, judgement is coming because God is a lover scorned by an unfaithful people and yet the judgement's purpose is bring about a restoration and renewal of the relationship. Not that God has given up on love but is pursuing it from an unfaithful people who repeatedly make promises with their lips but their hearts are from Him. He doesn't want a half hearted response He wants a loving heart commitment just like His. So in judgement He promises to take the people back just like in the wilderness where He allured you, He promises to win them over in desolation again. Even though they have betrayed Him by kissing goats and worshipping at foreign alters.For Hosea God is one who relentlessly pursues His wayward people. commentator says Amos's message is turn and avoid destruction but Hosea's is turn and see God behind you. I have never liked those modern choruses that say that God's heart is breaking they aren't biblical but Hosea is as close as they come, God is one who is a lover scorned and yet will not stop revealing and wooing His undeserving lover.
Looking forward to getting to know Joel better this month.
Stephen <><
ps coming soon a review of MacArthur's latest book Strange Fire
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