I have heard the story of Hosea before, but have never read through the book. It seems to me as though Hosea was supposed to be a living example of God and His love for us: sinners and adulterers in our relationship with God, the ultimate husband and lover. Just thinking of how hard it would be back in Hosea’s time, to take an adulterous wife, everyone would laugh at you and avoid you, because it just was not done in that culture. Then to have children with her and to bring her back when she went off with someone else, a man who was not following God wholeheartedly would not have done it. I thought about if God had spoken to someone like Hosea in this time, would anyone realize the symbolism, the representation of God’s love for us? No, I do not think they would. Today, I think more people look at the lasting marriages, those who have made it through the tough times together. I am also struck by the depiction of Christ and His love for us, the bride of Christ. Just like Hosea, He could choose to give up on us, when we go back to worldly things, to not pursue us anymore, but He does not; He remains faithful even when we are not (2 Timothy 2:13). I think we also need to be Hosea's in our own circles. Not necessarily with the love of a spouse, but with agape love, sacrificial love, for everyone, not just those we like. I love chapters 11 and 14, which tell of God’s love for Israel and the blessings they will receive if they repent. It is sort of like our salvation and repentance today. Just like Hosea pursued his wife and bought her back, so God pursues us and has bought us with the life of His Son, all we need to do as His bride is accept His love, repent, and then live as His in His blessings.
Not much has been happening around here. Work is the same, though some people are switching tasks in the campground. We have gotten to do some more fun things with our Bulgarian coworkers! Hotel life is the same too, except one of our roommates, Anne, left for RA (resident assistant) training. Pray that she might be a great witness on her floor, in her dorm, and at her college. This Tuesday we will be evangelizing here in the Dells to international students, many whom we have met and interacted with before. Please pray for everyone that day that the message will be clear and understandable.
Well, we have one full week left, to witness, to work, to have fun out here. Two last church services to put on. Please keep praying for us and our interactions with the international students, employers, and fellow coworkers. I again want to bring up Colossians verses 2-4, which say, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” I realized that this is really what should be prayed over this program, that a door would be opened for us, that people would be eager to listen to the message of the gospel, and that we would proclaim it clearly, so they can understand. Thank you so much for standing with me in this missions trip and supporting me and the program with your prayers; they have helped greatly!
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