Greetings church family!

In our current sermon series entitled “Detour”, we looked at the Wisdom & Poetry books (Job - Song of Solomon) of the Bible last Sabbath, and we'll look at the books of The Prophets (Isaiah - Malachi) this Sabbath.  In the Wisdom & Poetry section, we hear Job and David and Solomon cry out to God about their overwhelming difficulties.  We can relate to their circumstances, because at times we too experience seasons of meaninglessness and sorrow and loss.

Interestingly enough, in the books of The Prophets, God talks back. God opens up, revealing the sorrow and heartbreak He’s enduring in a way that is not found in the books of The Torah (Genesis - Deuteronomy), The History books (Joshua - Esther), nor the Wisdom & Poetry books.  Listen to God’s speak in Hosea 11:1-5

 “When Israel was a child, I loved him as a son and brought him out of Egypt.
But the more I called to him, the more he rebelled
Sacrificing to Baal and burning incense to idols.
I trained him from infancy, I taught him to walk, I held him in my arms.
But he doesn’t know or even care that it was I who raised him.
“As a man would lead his favorite ox, so I led Israel with my ropes of love.
I loosened his muzzle so he could eat. I myself have stooped and fed him.
But my people shall return to Egypt and Assyria because they won’t return to me.

In a healthy relationship, communication involves each person genuinely listening to the other.  God is always ready and willing to listen to the cares and burdens of our heart.  But the books of the Prophets pose the question back to us - are we willing to listen to the burdens of His heart?  Do we realize that our beautiful God is not some emotionless entity, but a Divine Being with vibrant emotions and deep affection for humanity.  When we sin, we don’t just break His law, we break His heart!  God is so brokenhearted towards Israel’s unfaithfulness that He’s sorrowfully considering letting Israel go.  But hear God’s heart in the finishing part of Hosea 11.

Oh, how can I give you up, my Ephraim? How can I let you go?
How can I forsake you like Admah and Zeboiim?
My heart cries out within me; how I long to help you!
No, I will not punish you as much as my fierce anger tells me to.
This is the last time I will destroy Ephraim. For I am God and not man;
I am the Holy One living among you, and I did not come to destroy.
“For the people shall walk after the Lord.
I shall roar as a lion at their enemies
And my people shall return trembling from the west.
Like a flock of birds, they will come from Egypt—
Like doves flying from Assyria. And I will bring them home again;

Can you feel God’s struggle? He has no desire to give up on Israel, even though Israel has given up on Him. This is true for you and I as well. How great is our God!

As you daily encounter the Heavenly Father in prayer, as you prepare for the message of hope this Sabbath (entitled “When God’s Heart Breaks”) be reminded of the beautiful truth that God cares for your heart.  Then ask yourself the question, “Am I willing to listen to His?”

Until we’re together again, be assured that God is for you, God is with you, and God loves you!

Pastor Chris