June 2008 - Pastor's Message
A Love Story With Happy Ending?

Not so long ago I watched a film on DVD. Among the “extras” on the disc was an alternative ending to the story. I could, in effect, choose what ending I wanted. Recently ITV1 asked viewers to choose the outcome of a series that they had been running. Those who had been watching the programme could vote to select how the storyline finished. Something similar, but much more important, occurs at the end of the book of Hosea.

Hosea is a love story. The LORD declares His love for the Israelites and shows them His love. The LORD’s love is clear – even though the people had deserted Him and been repeatedly unfaithful to Him

The book of Hosea tells of the hurt and pain that the Israelites of the time were causing the LORD. This is all the more shocking in the light of His great compassion towards them. In the light of this, it is an amazing account of the LORD alluring and speaking tenderly to His people (2:14)

As we read this book we are stunned by how the people had rejected the LORD and His love. Their rejection was shown in every area of life. In their religious activity they turned to false gods and idolatry. In the political realm they turned their back on their God and sought associations with pagan nations. In moral aspects it was clear how much of their behaviour was utterly offensive to the LORD.

Astonishingly, the LORD did not simply write them off. As we come to the final chapter of Hosea, the LORD’s loving appeal is clear. It also describes how anyone can come back to the loving LORD of the Bible.

Return and Receive
Hosea implores the people to return to the LORD before it is too late. Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!   Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously ...” (Hosea 14:1 &2) The LORD then promises to receive the people who do this. “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them”. (14:4)

Those who return would then receive the LORD’s love and care that will enable them to blossom, flourish and be fruitful (verses 4-8).

However, the final chapter of Hosea itself doesn’t tell us what the people of his day made of this. Instead, the final verse invites us to put ourselves into the story. We are called to consider what we have made of this.

Who is wise? He will realise these things.
Who is discerning? He will understand them.
The ways of the LORD are right;
the righteous walk in them,
but the rebellious stumble in them (14:9).

As readers, we are challenged to ask, will we walk in the ways of the LORD?
Or will we rebel against what the LORD says – and so stumble?

For us the challenge is even greater. The people of Hosea’s day had been reminded of God’s love in many ways. But we must realise that we have been shown God’s love in the most supreme way, God demonstrates His own love for us is this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)

What will we make of this? The ending is up to us.