|
Last week we vacationed at the beach with our extended family. Three of my children, their spouses, and my four grandchildren joined us. My husband and I recently purchased a car seat to transport our grandchildren when needed. To my delight, my almost-four-year-old grandson, Miles, requested to ride with his “LaLa.” We had a grand adventure with music and lots of conversation, but it was a long trip, about six hours including our lunch stop. With about two hours left, the questions started coming one on top of the other, “Are we close? How much longer? Is that far?” Sometimes I would try to distract him and other times I would think of creative ways to help him grasp the time with answers like, “It’s three Blueys or one Paw Patrol.” These answers would satisfy him temporarily, and eventually, we made it to the beach house. Miles and I would both say the trip was totally worth it.
As we journey through the next ten chapters of Hosea, you might ask questions like Miles. “Are we close? How much longer? Is that far?” The details of this graphic story of God’s deep love, relentless pursuit, and transformation of His faithless and sinful people are more intense and specific. The chapters are filled with shocking language and uncomfortable spiritual realities meant to awaken us to the beauty and glory of our Bridegroom. As these words were preached, the story in Hosea 1-3 was being lived out before God’s people. We must keep this amazing love story at the forefront of our minds and hearts as we trek through Hosea. We will make it to the end, and the trip will be totally worth it!
Blessings as you travel,
Paula
| 
