Though the people of Israel turned their backs on God, God loved the people too much to turn God’s back on them. God continues to love each of God’s children with a tender, but powerful love, even when we may turn our backs or wander away.
Worship with Holy Communion this week:
Saturday 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday — 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m — Sunday School and adult class
10:30 a.m. — Contemporary worship
Devotions for this week: Hosea’s message
When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. (Hosea 11:1)
The prophets issue challenging words. Where we would hear the hopeful word of grace, we need to make our way first through a wilderness of hard lessons. The prophet Hosea offers words in this tradition, beginning with a sense of rejection, which mirrors the ways in which God’s people have rejected the ways of the Lord. It does not end there. The Lord’s word in Hosea offers both judgment according to the terms of the covenant, and promises of restoration for those who call on the Lord.
Read:
Sunday, Hosea 11:1-9, Hosea
Monday, Hosea 1:1-2:23, Israel’s Infidelity
Tuesday, Hosea 3:1-4:19, God’s Love for and Condemnation of Israel
Wednesday, Hosea 5:1-15, Judgment
Thursday, Hosea 6:1-7:16, A Call to Repent
Friday, Hosea 9:1-17, Punishment for Israel’s Sin
Saturday, Hosea 10:1-15, Israel’s Sin and Captivity
- What did Israel do that upset God? What could they have done differently?
- How do you know if you and your community are pleasing or upsetting God?
- What sits heavy on your heart? Ask for God’s ear, and God’s presence, justice, and love.
Do: Find out who has been exiled or ostracized from your community. Make a plan to welcome them. (Invite them for dinner or visit them.)
Bless: May God show you love and acceptance. Amen.
