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One of my pastors, who recently retired, is remembered by our congregation for telling us to "marinate" in certain truths from Scripture, or more so in the beauty of the gospel. I find myself using that term often. Now and then I get a funny look when it comes out of my mouth, but I love the picture it paints: soaking in His Word, allowing it to seep into my soul, saturating and softening me. Think about what a marinade does to meat. It makes it tastier, juicier, and more tender.
We have been marinating in the book of Hosea, the gospel according to Hosea. Perhaps this marinade has felt salty and acidic at times, but I trust also that the rich flavor has flowed in. God promises His Word is at work in those of us who believe (1 Thessalonians 2:13) and will accomplish its purpose, not returning void (Isaiah 55:11). That has been my prayer for each of us as we have been marinating in this text. I hope we are “tastier” so that our presence causes others to taste and see that He is good as we live out and proclaim the truths from Hosea. I pray we are “juicier”—that the reality and joy of being loved by a faithful God, even in our unfaithfulness, and being relentlessly pursued by Him, will so overwhelm and fill us that it will spill out on others around us when they rub against us or life cuts us. Oh, and it is my prayer that God’s good Word has made us more tender—that our hearts have been softened to see our whoring ways, repent, and long to be a faithful bride, falling deeper in love with our dear Bridegroom.
Keep marinating,
Paula
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