The Minors: Hosea | Rev. Jennifer Veres-Schrecengost

Oh love that will not let us go. Oh holy Oh love that will not let us go. Oh holy God who calls us here. God who calls us here. God who calls us here. You are the one who claims us and You are the one who claims us and You are the one who claims us and redeems us. You are the one who hides us redeems us. You are the one who hides us redeems us. You are the one who hides us in your cross. in your cross. in your cross. Who sees us through the storm. Who sees us through the storm. Who sees us through the storm. Who meets us even now Who meets us even now Who meets us even now in all and everything that this day in all and everything that this day in all and everything that this day holds. holds. holds. We pray God that you would prepare us We pray God that you would prepare us We pray God that you would prepare us now to hear from you. that you would now to hear from you. that you would now to hear from you. that you would open our ears and our minds and our open our ears and our minds and our open our ears and our minds and our hearts to the richness of your love and hearts to the richness of your love and hearts to the richness of your love and your grace. your grace. your grace. This we ask in the name of Christ our This we ask in the name of Christ our This we ask in the name of Christ our redeemer. redeemer. redeemer. Amen. Amen. Amen. We continue today in our summer worship We continue today in our summer worship We continue today in our summer worship series called the miners. We're having a series called the miners. We're having a series called the miners. We're having a little bit of fun with that. You might little bit of fun with that. You might little bit of fun with that. You might have noticed with our baseball like have noticed with our baseball like have noticed with our baseball like penant banners bearing the names of penant banners bearing the names of penant banners bearing the names of different minor prophets and with the um different minor prophets and with the um different minor prophets and with the um baseball cards that you can collect if baseball cards that you can collect if baseball cards that you can collect if you're a collecting type of each one of you're a collecting type of each one of you're a collecting type of each one of the prophets after worship. We are the prophets after worship. We are the prophets after worship. We are exploring the minor prophets this exploring the minor prophets this exploring the minor prophets this summer. They're called the minor summer. They're called the minor summer. They're called the minor prophets, as Pastor Shawn said last prophets, as Pastor Shawn said last prophets, as Pastor Shawn said last week, not because their message from the week, not because their message from the week, not because their message from the Lord was less important, but simply Lord was less important, but simply Lord was less important, but simply because they were shorter. And so they because they were shorter. And so they because they were shorter. And so they follow the longer books of prophets like follow the longer books of prophets like follow the longer books of prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah and Daniel. And they

Isaiah and Jeremiah and Daniel. And they Isaiah and Jeremiah and Daniel. And they bear a word for us across time and space bear a word for us across time and space bear a word for us across time and space by the grace of God today. And so it's by the grace of God today. And so it's by the grace of God today. And so it's important for us to explore them. Today important for us to explore them. Today important for us to explore them. Today we are talking about the prophet Hosea we are talking about the prophet Hosea we are talking about the prophet Hosea and it is a difficult prophet to and it is a difficult prophet to and it is a difficult prophet to interpret sometimes but an important interpret sometimes but an important interpret sometimes but an important one. And so I invite you now to listen one. And so I invite you now to listen one. And so I invite you now to listen for a word. This is the 11th chapter of for a word. This is the 11th chapter of for a word. This is the 11th chapter of the prophet Hosea. the prophet Hosea. the prophet Hosea. When Israel was a child, I loved him and When Israel was a child, I loved him and When Israel was a child, I loved him and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I out of Egypt I called my son. The more I out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they went from me. called them, the more they went from me. called them, the more they went from me. They kept sacrificing to the balls and They kept sacrificing to the balls and They kept sacrificing to the balls and offering incense to idols. Yet it was I offering incense to idols. Yet it was I offering incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk. I took them who taught Ephraim to walk. I took them who taught Ephraim to walk. I took them up in my arms, but they did not know up in my arms, but they did not know up in my arms, but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with that I healed them. I led them with that I healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of cords of human kindness, with bands of cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift love. I was to them like those who lift love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to infants to their cheeks. I bent down to infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.

them and fed them. them and fed them. They shall return to the land of Egypt, They shall return to the land of Egypt, They shall return to the land of Egypt, and Assyria shall be their king because and Assyria shall be their king because and Assyria shall be their king because they have refused to return to me. The they have refused to return to me. The they have refused to return to me. The sword rages in their cities. It consumes sword rages in their cities. It consumes sword rages in their cities. It consumes their oracle priests and devours because their oracle priests and devours because their oracle priests and devours because of their schemes. My people are bent on of their schemes. My people are bent on of their schemes. My people are bent on turning away from me. To the most high turning away from me. To the most high turning away from me. To the most high they call, but he does not raise them up they call, but he does not raise them up they call, but he does not raise them up at all. How can I give you up, Ephraim? at all. How can I give you up, Ephraim? at all. How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How How can I hand you over, O Israel? How How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Adma? How can I can I make you like Adma? How can I can I make you like Adma? How can I treat you like Zeboim? treat you like Zeboim? treat you like Zeboim? My heart recoils within me. My My heart recoils within me. My My heart recoils within me. My compassion grows warm and tender. I will compassion grows warm and tender. I will compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger. I will not not execute my fierce anger. I will not not execute my fierce anger. I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God and again destroy Ephraim. For I am God and again destroy Ephraim. For I am God and no mortal, the holy one in your midst. no mortal, the holy one in your midst. no mortal, the holy one in your midst. And I will not come in wrath. They shall And I will not come in wrath. They shall And I will not come in wrath. They shall go after the Lord who roars like a lion. go after the Lord who roars like a lion. go after the Lord who roars like a lion. When he roars, his children shall come When he roars, his children shall come When he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west. They shall come trembling from the west. They shall come trembling from the west. They shall come trembling like birds from Egypt and like trembling like birds from Egypt and like trembling like birds from Egypt and like doves from the land of Assyria. And I doves from the land of Assyria. And I doves from the land of Assyria. And I will return them to their homes, says will return them to their homes, says will return them to their homes, says the Lord. It's the word of God for the the Lord. It's the word of God for the the Lord. It's the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

people of God. Thanks be to God. people of God. Thanks be to God. There are some moments of parenting that There are some moments of parenting that There are some moments of parenting that never really leave you. They seem to never really leave you. They seem to never really leave you. They seem to become embedded in your very selves. become embedded in your very selves. become embedded in your very selves. I can still remember sitting with a list I can still remember sitting with a list I can still remember sitting with a list of names before each one of my three of names before each one of my three of names before each one of my three sons were born. Names matter. And so the sons were born. Names matter. And so the sons were born. Names matter. And so the weight of responsibility for naming them weight of responsibility for naming them weight of responsibility for naming them felt heavy. We wondered what each child felt heavy. We wondered what each child felt heavy. We wondered what each child would be like. We imagined personalities would be like. We imagined personalities would be like. We imagined personalities that we couldn't possibly know yet. and that we couldn't possibly know yet. and that we couldn't possibly know yet. and each one of them have done their very each one of them have done their very each one of them have done their very own thing from the possible expectations own thing from the possible expectations own thing from the possible expectations we could have carried. We spoke names we could have carried. We spoke names we could have carried. We spoke names aloud over them before they could even aloud over them before they could even aloud over them before they could even recognize our voices or understand recognize our voices or understand recognize our voices or understand speech. We loved them before they had speech. We loved them before they had speech. We loved them before they had done a single thing to deserve it. You done a single thing to deserve it. You done a single thing to deserve it. You might remember those first days after a might remember those first days after a might remember those first days after a child arrives, the late night feedings, child arrives, the late night feedings, child arrives, the late night feedings, holding a tiny body that can't possibly holding a tiny body that can't possibly holding a tiny body that can't possibly survive without someone else's care. survive without someone else's care. survive without someone else's care. Learning to interpret every cry. Walking Learning to interpret every cry. Walking Learning to interpret every cry. Walking the floors in the middle of the night.

the floors in the middle of the night. the floors in the middle of the night. Celebrating the first smile, the first Celebrating the first smile, the first Celebrating the first smile, the first laugh, and then eventually those first laugh, and then eventually those first laugh, and then eventually those first steps. steps. steps. Have you ever taught a child to walk? Have you ever taught a child to walk? Have you ever taught a child to walk? You don't stand at the other end of the You don't stand at the other end of the You don't stand at the other end of the room with your arms crossed saying, room with your arms crossed saying, room with your arms crossed saying, "Well, come on, figure it out." "Well, come on, figure it out." "Well, come on, figure it out." No, No, No, you kneel down. You damage your back you kneel down. You damage your back you kneel down. You damage your back permanently with that hunch while you permanently with that hunch while you permanently with that hunch while you hold two little hands and they toddle hold two little hands and they toddle hold two little hands and they toddle unevenly right between your feet. You unevenly right between your feet. You unevenly right between your feet. You steady them when they wobble. You catch steady them when they wobble. You catch steady them when they wobble. You catch them when they fall. You cheer wildly them when they fall. You cheer wildly them when they fall. You cheer wildly after two shaky steps as if they've just after two shaky steps as if they've just after two shaky steps as if they've just scored a World Cup soccer goal. scored a World Cup soccer goal. scored a World Cup soccer goal. Parents don't wait until children become Parents don't wait until children become Parents don't wait until children become accomplished walkers before they love accomplished walkers before they love accomplished walkers before they love them. We love them when they're falling. them. We love them when they're falling. them. We love them when they're falling. And that image is exactly how Hosea And that image is exactly how Hosea And that image is exactly how Hosea wants us to imagine God. Listen again. wants us to imagine God. Listen again. wants us to imagine God. Listen again. When Israel was a child, I loved him. It When Israel was a child, I loved him. It When Israel was a child, I loved him. It was I who taught Ephrame, another name was I who taught Ephrame, another name was I who taught Ephrame, another name for Israel. It was I who taught Ephrame for Israel. It was I who taught Ephrame for Israel. It was I who taught Ephrame to walk. I took them up in my arms. I to walk. I took them up in my arms. I to walk. I took them up in my arms. I led them with cords of human kindness, led them with cords of human kindness, led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like with bands of love. I was to them like with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheek. I those who lift infants to their cheek. I those who lift infants to their cheek. I bent down to them and fed them. This is bent down to them and fed them. This is bent down to them and fed them. This is one of the most intimate portraits of one of the most intimate portraits of one of the most intimate portraits of God in all of scripture.

God in all of scripture. God in all of scripture. Not a distant ruler, not an angry judge, Not a distant ruler, not an angry judge, Not a distant ruler, not an angry judge, not an impossible perfectionist, but a not an impossible perfectionist, but a not an impossible perfectionist, but a parent stooping down, teaching a toddler parent stooping down, teaching a toddler parent stooping down, teaching a toddler to walk, feeding a helpless child, to walk, feeding a helpless child, to walk, feeding a helpless child, lifting a little face for a kiss. It's lifting a little face for a kiss. It's lifting a little face for a kiss. It's breathtaking. breathtaking. breathtaking. But I got a good laugh this morning. But I got a good laugh this morning. But I got a good laugh this morning. And it hit the concern that I carried in And it hit the concern that I carried in And it hit the concern that I carried in my mind preparing for this message my mind preparing for this message my mind preparing for this message perfectly um when Pastor Shawn mentioned perfectly um when Pastor Shawn mentioned perfectly um when Pastor Shawn mentioned that when he looks up the book of Hosea that when he looks up the book of Hosea that when he looks up the book of Hosea online, the AI summary that's at the top online, the AI summary that's at the top online, the AI summary that's at the top of every Google search now summarizes of every Google search now summarizes of every Google search now summarizes the book of Hosea by saying uh it the book of Hosea by saying uh it the book of Hosea by saying uh it describes Hosea as quote a prophet with describes Hosea as quote a prophet with describes Hosea as quote a prophet with an unusually dramatic marriage. an unusually dramatic marriage. an unusually dramatic marriage. If you've ever read the book of Hosea, If you've ever read the book of Hosea, If you've ever read the book of Hosea, you know what I'm talking about. That's you know what I'm talking about. That's you know what I'm talking about. That's one way to put it. Because Hosea, one way to put it. Because Hosea, one way to put it. Because Hosea, despite having this beautiful, loving, despite having this beautiful, loving, despite having this beautiful, loving, intimate portrait of God as a parent, is intimate portrait of God as a parent, is intimate portrait of God as a parent, is also difficult reading.

also difficult reading. also difficult reading. Hosea is in fact the first biblical book Hosea is in fact the first biblical book Hosea is in fact the first biblical book to use marriage as a central image for to use marriage as a central image for to use marriage as a central image for the relationship between God and God's the relationship between God and God's the relationship between God and God's people. And it's precisely that metaphor people. And it's precisely that metaphor people. And it's precisely that metaphor that makes this prophetic book difficult that makes this prophetic book difficult that makes this prophetic book difficult for modern readers to hear. My first for modern readers to hear. My first for modern readers to hear. My first real study of Hosea came during the real study of Hosea came during the real study of Hosea came during the COVID pandemic. Some of you are part of COVID pandemic. Some of you are part of COVID pandemic. Some of you are part of this online Bible study that I put this online Bible study that I put this online Bible study that I put together of women from all over the together of women from all over the together of women from all over the country. And together we read the Bible country. And together we read the Bible country. And together we read the Bible cover to cover over the course of a cover to cover over the course of a cover to cover over the course of a year. When we reached Hosea, the year. When we reached Hosea, the year. When we reached Hosea, the conversation changed dramatically. Like conversation changed dramatically. Like conversation changed dramatically. Like the brakes slammed on. uh we simply the brakes slammed on. uh we simply the brakes slammed on. uh we simply couldn't read it and move on. We were couldn't read it and move on. We were couldn't read it and move on. We were confronted with some difficult passages confronted with some difficult passages confronted with some difficult passages that we had to learn to wrestle with. that we had to learn to wrestle with. that we had to learn to wrestle with. The book of Hosea unfolds in three The book of Hosea unfolds in three The book of Hosea unfolds in three movements. Each one of those is built movements. Each one of those is built movements. Each one of those is built around a different metaphor for God's around a different metaphor for God's around a different metaphor for God's covenant with Israel. covenant with Israel. covenant with Israel. The first three chapters of this book The first three chapters of this book The first three chapters of this book focus on the marriage between Hosea and focus on the marriage between Hosea and focus on the marriage between Hosea and Goomer. In fact, when you pick up your Goomer. In fact, when you pick up your Goomer. In fact, when you pick up your Hosea baseball card, you'll see Goomemer Hosea baseball card, you'll see Goomemer Hosea baseball card, you'll see Goomemer is on there, too, very helpfully. So, is on there, too, very helpfully. So, is on there, too, very helpfully. So, Hosea is married to Goomer, and this Hosea is married to Goomer, and this Hosea is married to Goomer, and this heartbreaking marriage of theirs becomes heartbreaking marriage of theirs becomes heartbreaking marriage of theirs becomes a living parable for Israel's repeated a living parable for Israel's repeated a living parable for Israel's repeated unfaithfulness to God. Israel's worship unfaithfulness to God. Israel's worship unfaithfulness to God. Israel's worship of other gods is described as adultery, of other gods is described as adultery, of other gods is described as adultery, which was punishable by death according which was punishable by death according which was punishable by death according to the law, if God so chose.

to the law, if God so chose. to the law, if God so chose. God's eventual reconciliation with God's eventual reconciliation with God's eventual reconciliation with Israel provides the model for Hosea's Israel provides the model for Hosea's Israel provides the model for Hosea's reconciliation with Goomemer in chapter reconciliation with Goomemer in chapter reconciliation with Goomemer in chapter 3. 3. 3. Reading those chapters through 21st Reading those chapters through 21st Reading those chapters through 21st century eyes and especially from a century eyes and especially from a century eyes and especially from a woman's perspective is deeply unsettling woman's perspective is deeply unsettling woman's perspective is deeply unsettling and it's not hard or difficult to and it's not hard or difficult to and it's not hard or difficult to understand why. Without context, the understand why. Without context, the understand why. Without context, the image of a husband representing God and image of a husband representing God and image of a husband representing God and an unfaithful wife representing sinful an unfaithful wife representing sinful an unfaithful wife representing sinful humanity can become quite dangerous. humanity can become quite dangerous. humanity can become quite dangerous. Old Testament scholar Gail Ye warns that Old Testament scholar Gail Ye warns that Old Testament scholar Gail Ye warns that these chapters come, in her words, these chapters come, in her words, these chapters come, in her words, perilously close to sanctioning a perilously close to sanctioning a perilously close to sanctioning a husband's domestic violence against his husband's domestic violence against his husband's domestic violence against his wife. wife. wife. So there are two things that I would be So there are two things that I would be So there are two things that I would be irresponsible not to say this morning. irresponsible not to say this morning. irresponsible not to say this morning. First, we have to remember the world in First, we have to remember the world in First, we have to remember the world in which Hosea was written. Context. which Hosea was written. Context. which Hosea was written. Context. Ancient Israel was profoundly Ancient Israel was profoundly Ancient Israel was profoundly patriarchal.

patriarchal. patriarchal. Men held social power, legal power, Men held social power, legal power, Men held social power, legal power, economic power, religious power. Women economic power, religious power. Women economic power, religious power. Women did not at all. And second, Hosea's did not at all. And second, Hosea's did not at all. And second, Hosea's audience is a male audience. He is audience is a male audience. He is audience is a male audience. He is speaking to men. Marriage in that speaking to men. Marriage in that speaking to men. Marriage in that culture was not imagined as a loving culture was not imagined as a loving culture was not imagined as a loving partnership between equals. For Hosea's partnership between equals. For Hosea's partnership between equals. For Hosea's original hearers, the surprising part of original hearers, the surprising part of original hearers, the surprising part of the story was not Goomemer's the story was not Goomemer's the story was not Goomemer's unfaithfulness. That's an unfortunate unfaithfulness. That's an unfortunate unfaithfulness. That's an unfortunate part of the story. But the truly part of the story. But the truly part of the story. But the truly shocking surprise in Hosea would have shocking surprise in Hosea would have shocking surprise in Hosea would have been Hosea's response. A husband who been Hosea's response. A husband who been Hosea's response. A husband who possessed every legal and social right possessed every legal and social right possessed every legal and social right to cast aside this woman chooses to cast aside this woman chooses to cast aside this woman chooses reconciliation reconciliation reconciliation instead. instead. instead. That would shock the ears of Hosea's That would shock the ears of Hosea's That would shock the ears of Hosea's listeners. listeners. listeners. A man with all the power laid that power A man with all the power laid that power A man with all the power laid that power down. He set his privilege aside and down. He set his privilege aside and down. He set his privilege aside and welcomed back the one who had no power welcomed back the one who had no power welcomed back the one who had no power at all, accepted children who may or may at all, accepted children who may or may at all, accepted children who may or may not have been his. And for those first not have been his. And for those first not have been his. And for those first hearers, again, that would have sounded hearers, again, that would have sounded hearers, again, that would have sounded almost unimaginable.

almost unimaginable. almost unimaginable. The point here is not that abusive The point here is not that abusive The point here is not that abusive relationships should be endured. relationships should be endured. relationships should be endured. Scripture never asks victims to remain Scripture never asks victims to remain Scripture never asks victims to remain in harm's way. Full stop. in harm's way. Full stop. in harm's way. Full stop. The point in Hosea is that God's The point in Hosea is that God's The point in Hosea is that God's covenant love is so steadfast, so covenant love is so steadfast, so covenant love is so steadfast, so extravagant, so unreasonable that God extravagant, so unreasonable that God extravagant, so unreasonable that God continually chooses reconciliation continually chooses reconciliation continually chooses reconciliation over rejection. over rejection. over rejection. So, yes, Hosea is difficult reading, but So, yes, Hosea is difficult reading, but So, yes, Hosea is difficult reading, but I've learned over time that when I I've learned over time that when I I've learned over time that when I encounter something difficult in encounter something difficult in encounter something difficult in scripture, even when I encounter scripture, even when I encounter scripture, even when I encounter something difficult in our contemporary something difficult in our contemporary something difficult in our contemporary lives, the answer usually isn't to close lives, the answer usually isn't to close lives, the answer usually isn't to close it off and stop reading or to turn off it off and stop reading or to turn off it off and stop reading or to turn off all other sources of information, but to all other sources of information, but to all other sources of information, but to dig a little deeper, to keep reading. dig a little deeper, to keep reading. dig a little deeper, to keep reading. Because if we stopped with the marriage Because if we stopped with the marriage Because if we stopped with the marriage metaphor in chapters 1 through three of metaphor in chapters 1 through three of metaphor in chapters 1 through three of Hosea, we would be left with an image of Hosea, we would be left with an image of Hosea, we would be left with an image of God that is incomplete, perhaps even God that is incomplete, perhaps even God that is incomplete, perhaps even harmful.

harmful. harmful. Reading Hosea invites us to ask an Reading Hosea invites us to ask an Reading Hosea invites us to ask an important question. Anytime we encounter important question. Anytime we encounter important question. Anytime we encounter something difficult in scripture or in something difficult in scripture or in something difficult in scripture or in our lives, we might ask ourselves this our lives, we might ask ourselves this our lives, we might ask ourselves this question. question. question. What image of God are we operating with? What image of God are we operating with? What image of God are we operating with? What is the image of God that I carry What is the image of God that I carry What is the image of God that I carry around in my daily functioning or that around in my daily functioning or that around in my daily functioning or that you carry around as you go about your you carry around as you go about your you carry around as you go about your days? days? days? Is God primarily angry, Is God primarily angry, Is God primarily angry, vindictive, vindictive, vindictive, shutting people out, keeping score, shutting people out, keeping score, shutting people out, keeping score, waiting for us to fail? waiting for us to fail? waiting for us to fail? Or is there another image still Or is there another image still Or is there another image still unfolding? unfolding? unfolding? When we keep reading in Hosea, we When we keep reading in Hosea, we When we keep reading in Hosea, we discover that there is. discover that there is. discover that there is. Chapters 4 through 11 contain Hosea's Chapters 4 through 11 contain Hosea's Chapters 4 through 11 contain Hosea's prophetic oracles against Israel's prophetic oracles against Israel's prophetic oracles against Israel's politics and injustice and idolatry. politics and injustice and idolatry. politics and injustice and idolatry. Hosea was the only prophet that wrote Hosea was the only prophet that wrote Hosea was the only prophet that wrote from the northern kingdom of Israel. He from the northern kingdom of Israel. He from the northern kingdom of Israel. He preached during one of Israel's most preached during one of Israel's most preached during one of Israel's most prosperous seasons in their history prosperous seasons in their history prosperous seasons in their history under King Jeroboam II. And it's that under King Jeroboam II. And it's that under King Jeroboam II. And it's that prosperity, that ease of living, that prosperity, that ease of living, that prosperity, that ease of living, that rising social economic status that rising social economic status that rising social economic status that became, ironically part of the problem.

became, ironically part of the problem. became, ironically part of the problem. If you go back one chapter in Hosea to If you go back one chapter in Hosea to If you go back one chapter in Hosea to chapter 10, God says, "Israel is a chapter 10, God says, "Israel is a chapter 10, God says, "Israel is a luxurant vine that yields its fruit. The luxurant vine that yields its fruit. The luxurant vine that yields its fruit. The more his fruit increased, the more more his fruit increased, the more more his fruit increased, the more altars he built, the easier their life altars he built, the easier their life altars he built, the easier their life became, the further astray from God they became, the further astray from God they became, the further astray from God they went. The altars they were building went. The altars they were building went. The altars they were building weren't altars to Yahweh. They were weren't altars to Yahweh. They were weren't altars to Yahweh. They were altars built to their own goodness, to altars built to their own goodness, to altars built to their own goodness, to their own intelligence, to their own their own intelligence, to their own their own intelligence, to their own gain, to their own cleverness. gain, to their own cleverness. gain, to their own cleverness. As often happens during times of comfort As often happens during times of comfort As often happens during times of comfort and success, Israel forgets the God who and success, Israel forgets the God who and success, Israel forgets the God who had delivered them from slavery in had delivered them from slavery in had delivered them from slavery in Egypt. They trusted their economy. They Egypt. They trusted their economy. They Egypt. They trusted their economy. They trusted their military alliances, their trusted their military alliances, their trusted their military alliances, their political strength. They worshiped the political strength. They worshiped the political strength. They worshiped the bulls of all of that, all of those bulls of all of that, all of those bulls of all of that, all of those things that were not God that made them things that were not God that made them things that were not God that made them feel secure and comfortable and powerful feel secure and comfortable and powerful feel secure and comfortable and powerful instead of the Lord. Their commitment to instead of the Lord. Their commitment to instead of the Lord. Their commitment to Yahweh had become superficial.

Yahweh had become superficial. Yahweh had become superficial. Their hearts had wandered. Their hearts had wandered. Their hearts had wandered. And then we arrive at chapter 11 and And then we arrive at chapter 11 and And then we arrive at chapter 11 and everything changes. The metaphor changes everything changes. The metaphor changes everything changes. The metaphor changes too because here God is no longer too because here God is no longer too because here God is no longer portrayed as a wounded husband. portrayed as a wounded husband. portrayed as a wounded husband. God out of a patriarchal millu. God in God out of a patriarchal millu. God in God out of a patriarchal millu. God in fact begins to sound a lot like a loving fact begins to sound a lot like a loving fact begins to sound a lot like a loving mother, a tender father, a caregiver mother, a tender father, a caregiver mother, a tender father, a caregiver kneeling down beside a toddler learning kneeling down beside a toddler learning kneeling down beside a toddler learning to walk. to walk. to walk. The relationship is no longer framed The relationship is no longer framed The relationship is no longer framed around betrayal, but around nurture. around betrayal, but around nurture. around betrayal, but around nurture. I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them up I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them up I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them up in my arms. I bent down and fed them. in my arms. I bent down and fed them. in my arms. I bent down and fed them. The prophet is inviting us to see the The prophet is inviting us to see the The prophet is inviting us to see the heart of God more clearly. heart of God more clearly. heart of God more clearly. And God begins by recounting Israel's And God begins by recounting Israel's And God begins by recounting Israel's rebellion. The more I called them, the rebellion. The more I called them, the rebellion. The more I called them, the further they went from me. Some parents further they went from me. Some parents further they went from me. Some parents know that heartbreak. You teach and you know that heartbreak. You teach and you know that heartbreak. You teach and you guide and you protect. Sometimes your guide and you protect. Sometimes your guide and you protect. Sometimes your children choose to go down a pathway you children choose to go down a pathway you children choose to go down a pathway you would not have chosen for them.

would not have chosen for them. would not have chosen for them. But then suddenly in Hosea, the tone But then suddenly in Hosea, the tone But then suddenly in Hosea, the tone changes almost in mid-sentence. Out of changes almost in mid-sentence. Out of changes almost in mid-sentence. Out of that heartbreak, God cries out, "How can that heartbreak, God cries out, "How can that heartbreak, God cries out, "How can I give you up? I give you up? I give you up? How can I hand you over?" My heart How can I hand you over?" My heart How can I hand you over?" My heart recoils within me. My compassion grows recoils within me. My compassion grows recoils within me. My compassion grows warm and tender. warm and tender. warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger. It's I will not execute my fierce anger. It's I will not execute my fierce anger. It's as though divine wrath collides with as though divine wrath collides with as though divine wrath collides with divine compassion divine compassion divine compassion and compassion will always win. and compassion will always win. and compassion will always win. There is a holy override of sorts. God There is a holy override of sorts. God There is a holy override of sorts. God says, "I cannot stop loving you." says, "I cannot stop loving you." says, "I cannot stop loving you." And that might be the most important And that might be the most important And that might be the most important thing we hear today. thing we hear today. thing we hear today. God cannot stop loving you. God cannot stop loving you. God cannot stop loving you. Sometimes Sometimes Sometimes Christians carry around an understanding Christians carry around an understanding Christians carry around an understanding of God that sounds something like this. of God that sounds something like this. of God that sounds something like this. The Old Testament God is angry, mean, The Old Testament God is angry, mean, The Old Testament God is angry, mean, and vengeful.

and vengeful. and vengeful. But the New Testament God is loving and But the New Testament God is loving and But the New Testament God is loving and kind. But that simply is not true. There kind. But that simply is not true. There kind. But that simply is not true. There is no mean Old Testament God and loving is no mean Old Testament God and loving is no mean Old Testament God and loving New Testament God. They are the same New Testament God. They are the same New Testament God. They are the same God. The God who teaches toddlers to God. The God who teaches toddlers to God. The God who teaches toddlers to walk in Hosea is the same God who tells walk in Hosea is the same God who tells walk in Hosea is the same God who tells stories about a father with a heart full stories about a father with a heart full stories about a father with a heart full of compassion running down the road to of compassion running down the road to of compassion running down the road to embrace his lost son. The God whose embrace his lost son. The God whose embrace his lost son. The God whose heart breaks in Hosea is the same God heart breaks in Hosea is the same God heart breaks in Hosea is the same God who weeps over Jerusalem. who weeps over Jerusalem. who weeps over Jerusalem. The God who says, "How can I give you The God who says, "How can I give you The God who says, "How can I give you up?" is the same God who stretches out up?" is the same God who stretches out up?" is the same God who stretches out his arms on the cross for us. his arms on the cross for us. his arms on the cross for us. It's always been the same heart, the It's always been the same heart, the It's always been the same heart, the same relentless love. same relentless love. same relentless love. There's a group of three Jesuits, There's a group of three Jesuits, There's a group of three Jesuits, Matthew, Dennis, and Sheila Lynn, who Matthew, Dennis, and Sheila Lynn, who Matthew, Dennis, and Sheila Lynn, who have spent years asking that question. have spent years asking that question. have spent years asking that question. What image of God am I carrying around What image of God am I carrying around What image of God am I carrying around with me? What image of God are you with me? What image of God are you with me? What image of God are you carrying around inside of you?

carrying around inside of you? carrying around inside of you? Because whether we realize it or not, Because whether we realize it or not, Because whether we realize it or not, every one of us has one. every one of us has one. every one of us has one. Some imagine a God who is mostly Some imagine a God who is mostly Some imagine a God who is mostly disappointed. disappointed. disappointed. Some picture a divine scorekeeper. Some picture a divine scorekeeper. Some picture a divine scorekeeper. You might imagine a God who waits for us You might imagine a God who waits for us You might imagine a God who waits for us to get our lives together before to get our lives together before to get our lives together before offering love and acceptance. offering love and acceptance. offering love and acceptance. The Linds suggests that many Christians The Linds suggests that many Christians The Linds suggests that many Christians unconsciously tell themselves a story unconsciously tell themselves a story unconsciously tell themselves a story that goes something like this. I sinned. that goes something like this. I sinned. that goes something like this. I sinned. God punishes me. Eventually, I repent God punishes me. Eventually, I repent God punishes me. Eventually, I repent and then God forgives me. and then God forgives me. and then God forgives me. Does that sound familiar to you? Many of Does that sound familiar to you? Many of Does that sound familiar to you? Many of us probably grew up believing that. But us probably grew up believing that. But us probably grew up believing that. But when you read scripture carefully, a when you read scripture carefully, a when you read scripture carefully, a different pattern emerges. We've gotten different pattern emerges. We've gotten different pattern emerges. We've gotten the sequence out of order because the the sequence out of order because the the sequence out of order because the pattern actually is this. God loves, God pattern actually is this. God loves, God pattern actually is this. God loves, God pursues, God heals. And it is that love pursues, God heals. And it is that love pursues, God heals. And it is that love that makes repentance possible.

that makes repentance possible. that makes repentance possible. Grace is not a response. Grace is not Grace is not a response. Grace is not Grace is not a response. Grace is not God's response to our repentance. Grace God's response to our repentance. Grace God's response to our repentance. Grace is our response is our response is our response uh repentance is our response to grace. uh repentance is our response to grace. uh repentance is our response to grace. Grace is not God's response to our Grace is not God's response to our Grace is not God's response to our repentance. Repentance is our response repentance. Repentance is our response repentance. Repentance is our response to grace. Think about the Apostle Paul to grace. Think about the Apostle Paul to grace. Think about the Apostle Paul for example. for example. for example. Jesus didn't wait for Saul to become Jesus didn't wait for Saul to become Jesus didn't wait for Saul to become repentant before meeting him on the repentant before meeting him on the repentant before meeting him on the Damascus road. Grace completely Damascus road. Grace completely Damascus road. Grace completely interrupts his life and changes him. interrupts his life and changes him. interrupts his life and changes him. Think about the prodigal son. While the Think about the prodigal son. While the Think about the prodigal son. While the son is still quote a long way off, the son is still quote a long way off, the son is still quote a long way off, the father saw him and ran toward him. The father saw him and ran toward him. The father saw him and ran toward him. The father doesn't even wait for the apology father doesn't even wait for the apology father doesn't even wait for the apology that has been rehearsed by the son to that has been rehearsed by the son to that has been rehearsed by the son to get out. He just runs and embraces him. get out. He just runs and embraces him. get out. He just runs and embraces him. Or think about those parables that Jesus Or think about those parables that Jesus Or think about those parables that Jesus shares just before that one in Luke 15 shares just before that one in Luke 15 shares just before that one in Luke 15 of the lost sheep, the lost coin.

of the lost sheep, the lost coin. of the lost sheep, the lost coin. Because in those parables, it's the Because in those parables, it's the Because in those parables, it's the shepherd who searches, not the sheep who shepherd who searches, not the sheep who shepherd who searches, not the sheep who gets it together and comes back. It's gets it together and comes back. It's gets it together and comes back. It's the woman who sweeps the whole house and the woman who sweeps the whole house and the woman who sweeps the whole house and finds the coin, not the coin who somehow finds the coin, not the coin who somehow finds the coin, not the coin who somehow finds itself. finds itself. finds itself. God is always making the first move. God is always making the first move. God is always making the first move. That's Hosea's story, too. God tells That's Hosea's story, too. God tells That's Hosea's story, too. God tells Hosea, "Go, go now. Love Goomer." Not Hosea, "Go, go now. Love Goomer." Not Hosea, "Go, go now. Love Goomer." Not after she changes. Not after she comes after she changes. Not after she comes after she changes. Not after she comes home. Not after she promises to do home. Not after she promises to do home. Not after she promises to do better. Go and find her while she is better. Go and find her while she is better. Go and find her while she is still lost. still lost. still lost. And Hosea literally purchases her And Hosea literally purchases her And Hosea literally purchases her freedom while she's still standing in freedom while she's still standing in freedom while she's still standing in the marketplace waiting for her next the marketplace waiting for her next the marketplace waiting for her next offer. offer. offer. That's redemption. And that is grace. That's redemption. And that is grace. That's redemption. And that is grace. That is the gospel before the gospel. That is the gospel before the gospel. That is the gospel before the gospel. Now, we might ask, are you really saying Now, we might ask, are you really saying Now, we might ask, are you really saying God loves sinners before they repent? God loves sinners before they repent? God loves sinners before they repent? Yes. Yes, I am. Because it's not that Yes. Yes, I am. Because it's not that Yes. Yes, I am. Because it's not that sin doesn't matter. Sin matters sin doesn't matter. Sin matters sin doesn't matter. Sin matters enormously. It's a weight that wounds enormously. It's a weight that wounds enormously. It's a weight that wounds us, that separates us from others and us, that separates us from others and us, that separates us from others and wounds them. Sin separates us from God.

wounds them. Sin separates us from God. wounds them. Sin separates us from God. But God's love is never the reward for But God's love is never the reward for But God's love is never the reward for our repentance. It's God's love that our repentance. It's God's love that our repentance. It's God's love that makes repentance possible at all. As makes repentance possible at all. As makes repentance possible at all. As Paul writes, God proves his love for us Paul writes, God proves his love for us Paul writes, God proves his love for us in that while we were yet sinners, in that while we were yet sinners, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Christ died for us. Christ died for us. Love comes first. Love comes first. Love comes first. always always always people cannot change if they do not know people cannot change if they do not know people cannot change if they do not know that they are loved. They cannot uh that they are loved. They cannot uh that they are loved. They cannot uh navigate crisis if they do not feel safe navigate crisis if they do not feel safe navigate crisis if they do not feel safe and accepted and embraced with and accepted and embraced with and accepted and embraced with unconditional care and regard. This is unconditional care and regard. This is unconditional care and regard. This is true of all humans. You cannot change, true of all humans. You cannot change, true of all humans. You cannot change, you cannot navigate your difficult you cannot navigate your difficult you cannot navigate your difficult circumstances if you're not starting circumstances if you're not starting circumstances if you're not starting from a knowledge that you are loved. from a knowledge that you are loved. from a knowledge that you are loved. That's why on this Steven Ministry That's why on this Steven Ministry That's why on this Steven Ministry Sunday, the work of Steven ministers Sunday, the work of Steven ministers Sunday, the work of Steven ministers become so important. Here you have become so important. Here you have become so important. Here you have someone who's going through a difficult someone who's going through a difficult someone who's going through a difficult time. Maybe things have occurred in time. Maybe things have occurred in time. Maybe things have occurred in their lives of their own doing or of their lives of their own doing or of their lives of their own doing or of others that have brought them to an others that have brought them to an others that have brought them to an utter low.

utter low. utter low. They need someone to walk with them They need someone to walk with them They need someone to walk with them without judgment, listening, loving them without judgment, listening, loving them without judgment, listening, loving them on behalf of God so that they can take on behalf of God so that they can take on behalf of God so that they can take one step and then another towards one step and then another towards one step and then another towards wholeness. wholeness. wholeness. There's a Greek word tieios which means There's a Greek word tieios which means There's a Greek word tieios which means complete and wholeness. It's our end complete and wholeness. It's our end complete and wholeness. It's our end goal. And if you look at the Steven goal. And if you look at the Steven goal. And if you look at the Steven Ministry logo that's on this card that Ministry logo that's on this card that Ministry logo that's on this card that you received or you'll see it in the you received or you'll see it in the you received or you'll see it in the lobby too, you see that there are two lobby too, you see that there are two lobby too, you see that there are two figures of people and one of them has a figures of people and one of them has a figures of people and one of them has a brokenness on the other side of the brokenness on the other side of the brokenness on the other side of the cross on the other side of knowing that cross on the other side of knowing that cross on the other side of knowing that they are loved and accepted and embraced they are loved and accepted and embraced they are loved and accepted and embraced by God is wholeness is restoration. by God is wholeness is restoration. by God is wholeness is restoration. We are called to love in that way. To We are called to love in that way. To We are called to love in that way. To love like our father loves us. To love love like our father loves us. To love love like our father loves us. To love without keeping score. To love beyond without keeping score. To love beyond without keeping score. To love beyond reciprocity or beyond deserving. To love reciprocity or beyond deserving. To love reciprocity or beyond deserving. To love beyond tribal boundaries and politics.

beyond tribal boundaries and politics. beyond tribal boundaries and politics. Because that is exactly how God has Because that is exactly how God has Because that is exactly how God has loved each and every one of us. loved each and every one of us. loved each and every one of us. We live in a world that believes that We live in a world that believes that We live in a world that believes that everyone gets what they deserve. that everyone gets what they deserve. that everyone gets what they deserve. that something terrible happened to someone something terrible happened to someone something terrible happened to someone because they shouldn't have been doing because they shouldn't have been doing because they shouldn't have been doing what they were doing when they were what they were doing when they were what they were doing when they were doing it or they shouldn't have been doing it or they shouldn't have been doing it or they shouldn't have been there at that place at that time. there at that place at that time. there at that place at that time. But Jesus says the father lets the sun But Jesus says the father lets the sun But Jesus says the father lets the sun rise on both the good and the bad, on rise on both the good and the bad, on rise on both the good and the bad, on both the redeemed and those astray. Rain both the redeemed and those astray. Rain both the redeemed and those astray. Rain falls on the righteous and the falls on the righteous and the falls on the righteous and the unrighteous alike. Grace refuses to be unrighteous alike. Grace refuses to be unrighteous alike. Grace refuses to be stingy. Grace is extravagant, stingy. Grace is extravagant, stingy. Grace is extravagant, reckless even. reckless even. reckless even. Not reckless because it's careless, but Not reckless because it's careless, but Not reckless because it's careless, but reckless because from our perspective, reckless because from our perspective, reckless because from our perspective, it seems completely unreasonable. it seems completely unreasonable. it seems completely unreasonable. Who keeps loving people like this? How Who keeps loving people like this? How Who keeps loving people like this? How could the world possibly operate in this could the world possibly operate in this could the world possibly operate in this way? Who refuses to quit? Who says, "How way? Who refuses to quit? Who says, "How way? Who refuses to quit? Who says, "How can I give you up?" can I give you up?" can I give you up?" Only God.

Only God. Only God. Perhaps today you need to hear that word Perhaps today you need to hear that word Perhaps today you need to hear that word for yourself. for yourself. for yourself. God is saying, "How can I give you up?" God is saying, "How can I give you up?" God is saying, "How can I give you up?" I can't. I cannot stop loving you. Maybe I can't. I cannot stop loving you. Maybe I can't. I cannot stop loving you. Maybe you've wandered. Maybe you've trusted in you've wandered. Maybe you've trusted in you've wandered. Maybe you've trusted in something other than God. Maybe you've something other than God. Maybe you've something other than God. Maybe you've disappointed yourself or someone else or disappointed yourself or someone else or disappointed yourself or someone else or even God. even God. even God. But hear the words of Hosea. Hear the But hear the words of Hosea. Hear the But hear the words of Hosea. Hear the parent who knelt down beside you before parent who knelt down beside you before parent who knelt down beside you before you could even stand, saying, "I taught you could even stand, saying, "I taught you could even stand, saying, "I taught you to walk. I'll teach you again. I you to walk. I'll teach you again. I you to walk. I'll teach you again. I carried you and I'll carry you again. I carried you and I'll carry you again. I carried you and I'll carry you again. I fed you and I will nourish you on this fed you and I will nourish you on this fed you and I will nourish you on this journey. How can I give you up? I cannot journey. How can I give you up? I cannot journey. How can I give you up? I cannot stop loving you. stop loving you. stop loving you. Parents don't stop loving toddlers Parents don't stop loving toddlers Parents don't stop loving toddlers because they fall. They expect them to because they fall. They expect them to because they fall. They expect them to fall. They kneel down. They reach out. fall. They kneel down. They reach out. fall. They kneel down. They reach out. They pick them up. That even triggers a They pick them up. That even triggers a They pick them up. That even triggers a response in parents to go and take care. response in parents to go and take care. response in parents to go and take care. They whisper, "Try again."

They whisper, "Try again." They whisper, "Try again." And that's Hosea's God. That is Jesus's And that's Hosea's God. That is Jesus's And that's Hosea's God. That is Jesus's father. That is the God whose love often father. That is the God whose love often father. That is the God whose love often looks almost reckless and unreasonable looks almost reckless and unreasonable looks almost reckless and unreasonable from the outside. The God who simply from the outside. The God who simply from the outside. The God who simply cannot stop loving God's children. cannot stop loving God's children. cannot stop loving God's children. That love does not excuse our sin, but That love does not excuse our sin, but That love does not excuse our sin, but it heals us from it. It restores us it heals us from it. It restores us it heals us from it. It restores us through it, and it calls us home. And we through it, and it calls us home. And we through it, and it calls us home. And we come to know the rest that our weary come to know the rest that our weary come to know the rest that our weary souls have longed for. That love that souls have longed for. That love that souls have longed for. That love that will not let us go. And when that kind will not let us go. And when that kind will not let us go. And when that kind of love finally sinks into our bones, we of love finally sinks into our bones, we of love finally sinks into our bones, we discover that loving our enemies is no discover that loving our enemies is no discover that loving our enemies is no longer just a command to obey. We longer just a command to obey. We longer just a command to obey. We discover that we can forgive someone who discover that we can forgive someone who discover that we can forgive someone who has hurt us. We discover that there is has hurt us. We discover that there is has hurt us. We discover that there is hope beyond our current circumstances. hope beyond our current circumstances. hope beyond our current circumstances. This kind of love becomes the natural This kind of love becomes the natural This kind of love becomes the natural overflow of having first been loved by overflow of having first been loved by overflow of having first been loved by God that way ourselves. We can then love God that way ourselves. We can then love God that way ourselves. We can then love others in such a powerful way. In the others in such a powerful way. In the others in such a powerful way. In the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy name of the Father, Son, and the Holy name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Spirit. Spirit. Amen.