The Power of Love
God loves you and me at all times, not just at special times of the year. His love is abundant even when we mortals are at our lowest point. Lately, I have been reading the “minor” prophets. Myles likes to joke that Bible readers will be embarrassed when we meet these giants of Scripture in the next world and try to explain how we cavalierly relegated them to a “minor” status. He suggests that what they wrote is important for everyone to learn and understand. God used a major of the “minors,” Hosea, and his marriage to illustrate Divine faithfulness in the face of human infidelity.I was captivated by Hosea’s words regarding the everlasting love that the Lord/Adonai has for His people. His whole book is a message to Israel in his 8th century B.C. and also to our 21st century A.D. God spoke to Hosea:1:2 “Go, get yourself a prostitute as a wife and children of a prostitute! For the land is as an unfaithful prostitute by departing from Adonai.”In the story of Hosea, God reminds us that He considers Israel His wife. This should serve as a wake-up call to Believers in Yeshua—a reminder, as Paul beseeched:Romans 11: 25 For I do not want you, brothers and sisters, to be ignorant of this mystery—lest you be wise in your own eyes—that a partial blindness has come upon Israel until the fullness of the gentiles has come in; 26 and in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion. He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob. 27 For this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.” 28 Concerning the Good News, they are hostile for your sake; but concerning chosenness, they are loved on account of the fathers— 29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.The Romans passage above should be reason enough for Believers to stand with the Jewish people. Your prayers and financial contributions help us proclaim this all-important message: Salvation in Jesus, standing with Israel. Thank you for your support; let’s make 2017 a banner year!
Forgiveness Changes Things
God demonstrates His love and forgiveness for us through the life of Hosea. When people treat us badly, behaving in an ungodly manner—even when they claim to be Believers—we must respond with forgiveness. The level of forgiveness required is sometimes beyond our capacity—and we must lean on the Lord. When we Believers let God’s love flood our being, we find freedom in Him. Let’s concentrate on expressing the love and forgiveness of God to each other. The same love that saves your soul also keeps you—and will continue to work its grace throughout the new year and into your life.The grip of Hell is broken by the touch of Heaven.