Saturday, October 4, 2014

Filled with Grace?

In everyone’s life there is something or someone that has a major influence on us. When we look at what we put our time, thoughts, and finances behind it will become clear about what is most importance. What we idolize or worship is in a sense our god or religion.  In 1670, in a book by a man named Blaise Pascal, states. “There is a God-shaped hole inside every one of us that cannot be filled by anything other than God Himself.” People still try to fill that hole with other things – things that don’t fit properly and will never satisfy completely. What are some things people try to use to fill this heart void? We see this played over and over in our world.
Some things never change. Back in the 8th century BC the northern part of Israel turned its back on God. The book of Hosea tells us the story of God’s unfailing love, compassion, tenderness, and grace towards His wayward people. Hosea was chosen to not only tell of God’s offer of forgiveness, but to live it out. 
God instructs Hosea to marry a prostitute. Most likely her prostitution was connected with the nation’s idolatry and deviant behavior. This was God’s way of demonstrating to Israel that even though they had abandoned Him He was willing to take them back (as His bride). Why would God want to take Israel back after they had turned away from Him? I believe it has to do with God's great grace and love for us.
Amen?