Lent 🪔

Hosea has been chosen to bring God’s words to the northern Kingdom of Israel.

Hosea is an interesting prophet who was married to an adulteress.

In many ways, his marriage symbolised the relationship between God and Israel.

Hosea loved Gomer despite her lack of fidelity.

God loves Israel despite her infidelity, her turning to idols and her lack of justice.

Just as Hosea never stops loving Gomer or abandoning her,

God never leaves Israel.

Hosea is begging the people to ask God for forgiveness, to return to him with their mouths open in praise of God as he would accept the sacrifice of bulls from their herds.

His words went unheard, the northern territory fell to Assyria, and the people were killed or dispersed into other nations.

We are also told to repent our sins and ask for forgiveness.

I know that I don’t always think of myself as a sinner.

I live alone and do my best to help others.

I pray and don’t lie, cheat or steal.

So, do I feel that I am perfect?

Of course not!

God knows what thoughts I have that are not always kind!

He knows the words I hold back but that I harbour in my heart – and they are not always asking God to bless someone.

I also can be guilty of sins of omission.

I don’t always reach out to help when I can or spend time with people I know are alone and could use some company.

Just because we’re not breaking a stated commandment doesn’t mean we are sinless.

This is Lent’s goal.

It is to be a better person – the person God called me to be.