Tuesday 10 June 2008

#mce_temp_url#Background

These closing verses of the book of Hosea are full ofencouragement, in contrast to the rest of the prophet's words.Hosea has listed the people's failure and sin. He has raged onbehalf of God against their unfaithfulness. He has named theirpolitical errors and their social injustices. And he has threatenedthem with God's rejection.

The call is to return to God and not rely on themselves or theirpolitical allies - even the wealthy ones. The word "stumble" mightseem to us to imply a slight slip, but in these writings itsignifies falling into utter disaster. Only God can offer the helpthey need.

Dew (verse 5) could be very heavy, and for some parts of thecountry it was the main source of water. The trees, forests orcedars of Lebanon were always an image of richness and flourishingand strength. Add the olives and the vines and we have a gloriouspicture of prosperity and delight.

Unlike our own country, where mostly we want shelter from rain orcold, the offer of shade to shelter from the blazing sun is lifegiving. The whole picture is one of forgiveness and restoration, sothat the people will thrive again.

To Ponder

What do we need to thrive? What would your imagesof a flourishing community be?

How can we help outsiders as well as our owncommunities to receive what God offers for their good? And what canwe learn from them of God's free love?