Saturday, December 5, 2015

Saturday, December 5, 2015

[by Keesha Sullivan]

 

            Over 50% of marriages in the U.S.A end in divorce due to a variety of reasons. That means out of every two weddings we see at least one couple will get a divorce. The one unpardonable sin in a marriage for most women and men is adultery. It causes the bond of trust to be severed. It creates a feeling of insecurity and deep-seated pain. The adulterer or adulteress has committed the ultimate betrayal.

            The Lord understands all too well how adultery feels. He can sympathize with people that have endured this horrific act of infidelity. In the reading from today we see the Lord ask Hosea to "take to [himself] an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness" due to Israel turning her back on God (Hosea 1:2). Israel had bowed down to the god Baal and looked to other people for her help and protection instead of our Heavenly Father.

            Although this was a problem the Israelites dealt with in their time. It is still an issue today for us. How many times have we bowed to the god of money, comfort, pleasure, self, etc. and rejected God. One would easily think that since we see adultery as the unpardonable sin that this would definitely be the inexcusable sin for God.

            God did not see it as the unforgivable sin though. In fact due to His mercy and grace, He forgave Israel. It says in Hosea 2:16, "'In that day,' declares the Lord, 'you will call me 'my husband'; you will no longer call me 'my master.'" He goes on to woo Israel to Himself by saying "I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness and you will acknowledge the Lord" (Hosea 2:19-20). In these verses above, God sounds like a husband deeply in love with a beautiful, faithful bride. God made these statements after Israel became an adulteress nation. He forgave Israel and declared His undying love for her, and He will do the same for us.

            Lord thank You so much for forgiving us for turning our backs on You and placing other god's before You. Thank You for Your unconditional love, mercy, and grace. Please help us to become children that stay faithful and keep You as our first love. You are amazing God. Thank You for showing us the true meaning of never giving up in a relationship. Thank You for showing us how to love unconditionally. We stand in awe of You and Your mercies that are new each and every day! Hallelujah! Amen! 

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