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?
