God is More....

I was watching a part of a movie the other day and the main character asked a question about God’s wrath. The other character answered, “sin is punishment in itself”, meaning God doesn’t have wrath, just love. What a heresy! Whoever wrote this script obviously didn’t read the OT, or even the NT when Jesus turned over the money-changers’ tables. On the other hand, this “Love” that most people want to attribute to God as His only character quality, is grossly misunderstood and promoted inappropriately. Here in Hosea, God again reveals His heart to us. The love described here is intense, but it’s also accompanied by accountability and responsibility of its recipients. It’s also includes discipline and punishment from its Giver. Where are “these” attributes of God’s love being preached and taught anywhere these days? If you want to know The God of the Bible, you have to pursue Him. Read His Word daily. Then and only then will you be able to make an informed decision to follow or criticize the Designer of the Universe. But be careful, your decision may be missing some facts you’re unaware of.

The Lord’s Love for Israel 111 “When Israel was a child, I loved him,and I called My son out of Egypt.2 But the more I[R] called to him,the farther he moved from Me,offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols.3 I Myself taught Israel[S] how to walk,leading him along by the hand.But he doesn’t know or even care that it was I who took care of him.4 I led Israel along with My ropes of kindness and love.I lifted the yoke from his neck,and I Myself stooped to feed him. 5 “But since My people refuse to return to Me,they will return to Egypt-and will be forced to serve Assyria.6 War will swirl through their cities;their enemies will crash through their gates.They will destroy them,trapping them in their own evil plans.7 For My people are determined to desert Me.They call Me the Most High,but they don’t truly honor Me. 8 “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel?How can I let you go?How can I destroy you like Admah or demolish you like Zeboiim?My heart is torn within Me,and My compassion overflows.9 No, I will not unleash My fierce anger.I will not completely destroy Israel,for I am God and not a mere mortal.I am the Holy One living among you,and I will not come to destroy.10 For someday the people will follow Me.I, the Lord, will roar like a lion.And when I roar,My people will return trembling from the west.11 Like a flock of birds, they will come from Egypt.Trembling like doves, they will return from Assyria.And I will bring them home again,”says the Lord. Hosea 11:1-11