Hosea is a hard book to read. Sure, it's the first few chapters are are quite dramatic and deal with the bizarre love story with Gomer and it's Jerry Springer-esque plot. But the middle part is just a lot of doom and gloom judgement. That's no fun! But then, tucked in the end of this weighty little book is one of the simplest and most beautiful "sermons" I've seen in scripture. After the complex details of judgement and guilt-trips in the middle of the book, this felt more like a Billy Graham message. It moved me. So, I decided to rewrite it in my own words as sort of a therapeutic exercise for myself as I begin my day.
It is your own sin that's brought you to this place.
Admit your failures and disobedience to God.
Ask Him for forgiveness and praise Him for it.
Our networks and allies ultimately can't save us. Our tried and true best methods won't always work.
We have got to put aside the things that we hold in higher regard than God.
It is only in God that the weak, lonely, isolated, and unconnected find mercy.
God says He will forgive us our lack of faith, show us unlimited love, and will no longer show His anger.
God will provide refreshment, renewal, and sustenance to our weary malnourished spirits and make us strong.
Our reach and influence will be wide and others will be drawn to us looking for our source of strength.
Stay away from the things that keep God in second place.
God always answers prayers, always provides, and always loves.
Can't you see the wisdom in this, and the evidence for all of these truths? Keeping in line with God's principles is the way to go.
Going the other way leads to problems and pain.
