S) "5 Afterward the sons of Israel will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king; and they will come trembling to the Lord and to His goodness in the last days."
Hosea 3:5 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Hosea 3
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Hosea 3
O) Hosea was told specifically, to go marry an adulterous woman. This would have been shameful, foolish, and ridiculous in the most literal sense. Once again, God was using marriage as a simile, so that His people would understand their spiritual obligation to Him, and therefore their spiritual adultery against Him. He declared in v.4 that they would have no prince, king, sacrifice, pillar, ephod, or even household idols. They would go through a period of spiritual emptiness, until the words above were fulfilled in Christ. Jesus Christ was the King, the David, the Savior and Messiah they were seeking.
A) When I think of presenting the gospel, sometimes it seems very complicated. I tend to over-think what should be said. I try to predict objections and prepare rebuttals. I try to think what people may be lacking, that God would fulfill in their lives. There is the obvious danger of hell, but here on earth that can seem quite ethereal and even hypothetical. However, what every person wants, what every person needs, is hope. Every person struggles with disappointments, hurts, and uncertainty. Money will never be the answer, drugs will never be the answer, family will never be the answer. Live, love, laugh, will only distract for a moment, but it won't actually change anything. However, the hope of Jesus Christ, the hope of a righteous King, the hope of righteous justice, the hope of healing and forgiveness, these are things that are found with the Lord GOD, and Jesus Christ the King. Not everyone is willing to admit their need for hope. Not everyone is willing to trust that in Jesus that hope is real. But, it is there. It's as simple as presenting the hope, and seeing who is willing to return to their loving Father.
P) Father, You are good. You are patient and full of lovingkindness. You are righteous and just. You are merciful and compassionate. I know these things. I have experienced these things. I have been hopeless without You and hopeful with You. I confess that sometimes my fear of rejection by people ties my tongue. I want to be bold, though. I want to declare without fear or shame, that Your hope is real. I cannot see the hearts of people, only You can. So, let me trust Your timing. Let me trust the leading of the Holy Spirit. Let me walk in the boldness where You're calling me. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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