Caribbean Moravian Devotions

Hear the word of the Lord, because the Lord has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgement of God in the land.” Hosea 4: 1

When we read the prophets we sometimes get the idea that they were like whining parents, always at Israel about the same thing. We all can identify with that to a certain extent whether as parents or as children. There is always the drive to get it right. Parents keep at the children to get it right and will keep harping on the same thing until there is a sense of satisfaction that it has been done satisfactorily. This is how we know as parents that our children are ready to face similar situations. If they get it right at home, there is no need to worry (too much) when they are away.

The prophet Hosea brings an indictment against the people. The NRSV translates the word for charge as indictment. This is a divine lawsuit against the people for breach of covenant. These are not just the prophet’s words, they are God’s. Listen, my people, and I will speak; I will testify against you, Israel: I am God, your God. Psalm 50: 7. Neither was Hosea an isolated case of God voicing his displeasure against God’s people. Listen to what the Lord says: “Stand up, plead my case before the mountains; let the hills hear what you have to say. 2 “Hear, you mountains, the Lord’s accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the Lord has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel. Micah 6: 1 – 2. Such constant reminders should keep us always on the right path, or bring about the desired change. It should help us to get it right.

How do we react to constant reminders though? How do we react to the sermons that constantly touch us where we really need to change? Or to the teacher or parent who always reminds us to brush up on the weak areas? Or even the bestie [really good friend] who keeps at us to change an area of our life that may be inflicting self-harm? Pride at times causes us to refuse to accept their truth. For the prophet the problem was a lack of faithfulness, a lack of love, a failure to acknowledge God. God's people were missing the mark. The greek word for sin translates 'missing the mark'. We either get it right or we miss the mark. I challenge you today to see God at work as you are constantly challenged to 'get it right' by those who care. See their love, their faithfulness, and never be afraid to recognize their worth in your life. In the same way, see God at work through them and therefore find it possible to recognize GodÂ’s faithfulness and love as God seeks also to make you a better and more faithful you. With tax collector-like humility [Luke 18:13], approach God and be blessed in your living as we get it right.

Till next Tuesday, be blessed!