Okay-- I said that my next few posts would be about Hosea, and then I proceeded to fall off the face of the earth, so to speak. I have a few excuses---> Thesis + presentation, poster and layout outside of class for print, law and sociology exams, job searching, babysitting, tacky christmas parties, and a semi formal have all been on the brain lately. BUT here I go anyway. (and yes, I'll get to Hosea momentarily)
But if I'm being honest...this is what I'm really doing...
[attempting to pack up my apartment for the 5 weeks at home looks something like the above photo...]
Now, I've been thinking, which is nothing new for me, but I've decided: "Why rob my few readers of the overwhelming joy of reading Hosea for themselves by giving away all the juicy stuff??" [sidenote: this is not a copout. give me a chance to explain myself]
I'm going to give you bullet point list of what I got out of each chapter [ 1)to make it easy for you and 2) because I'm in exam mode], but I will not, I repeat, NOT give away the main points for fear that it will trick you into not reading it for yourself.
Here's my journey through Hosea, which is a lot like this semester quite frankly.
Chapter 1:
- the most evil/vilest form of adultery is departing from the Lord; unfaithfulness to the bond/covenant relationship should be equated to marriage adultery.
- Hosea speaks of God's powerful love and fierce justice. Unfortunately, the people had broken their covenant, and they would receive the punishments God had promised.
- God often requires extraordinary obedience from his prophets when they face extraordinary times. (Hosea knew of Gomer's unfaithfulness prior to their union yet was obedient to God)
- Challenge: will you be able to accept the possible pain involved with obedience to God even you may not benefit personally?
Chapter 2:
- returning to God out of desperation is better than rebelling against Him, but it is better yet to turn to God out of gratitude for His care. Otherwise, it doesn't show our unyielding love for Him; He is essentially winning by default when we turn back after trying every other possibility.
- a spouse would not tolerate falling list on a priority list, and neither does God.
- Like "Michael Hosea," God is a catch; yet we don't see it. He deserves so much more than unreciprocated love. Acknowledge that He wants all of out attention and love--not just when it's beneficial for us or on our time. Even though we turn away He still pursues unconditionally.
- Bound in righteousness, justice, love, compassion and grace, unfaithfulness is impossible.
Chapter 3
- even in the midst of judgement, God is merciful and will restore those who repent and turn to Him.
Chapter 4
- take responsibility for your own sins and actions; stop using them as justification.
- be conscious as a leader to lead others to God.
Chapter 5
- persistent sin hardens a person's heart, making it difficult to see the need for repentance. Each sin makes the next one easier to commit. Steer as far away from sin as possible to avoid being caught in the middle.
Chapter 6
- do not repent or acknowledge God for your own material gain--recognize the extent of your sin and take conscious steps toward changing it.
- God does not desire the appearance of loyalty to Him, but rather the sincere, genuine relationship of loyalty.
- let your actions speak for themselves.
Chapter 7
- pride keeps people from turning to God; it also intensifies all other sins because we cannot repent any of them without giving up our pride.
- look only to God for happiness--not worldly possessions or relationships
Chapter 8
- without God there is no lasting security
- we want God to ease our pain without changing our selfish behavior
- we always think of examples as applying to others, not us.
- God does not want our sacrifices out of ritual for our own security, but rather sincere devotion.
Chapter 9- what used to be seen as good is now seen as foolish (for example abstinence)
- you will develop characteristics of those you idolize--put God first.
Chapter 10
- guard your heart against false teachings of corrupt politicians and religious leaders.
Chapter 11
- thank God for his blessings to you.
- thank Him that He doesn't love like people do--He shows unconditional love.
Chapter 12
- love and justice are the foundation of God's character--it is crucial to live in balance of these
- what you have is not a result of your own efforts, but because God has been gracious to you.
Chapter 13
- God was gracious, but we turn away.
Chapter 14
- plea for God's love instead of the justice we deserve
- we must admit we cannot save ourselves
- God cares for us continually--His compassion never fails like human love can.
- listen, learn, and benefit from God's word as guidance to your every day life.
There you have it. Now go, read it for yourself. struggle through the descriptions of the wrath we deserve and make it to the end where His grace and compassion are shown.
It might take some time (as most good things do), but the end result is worth it. As for me, I must press onward toward my goal....
CHRISTMAS BREAK!!!!
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