Church Family Update - September 30, 2020

A devotional thought:

“And the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, even as the Lord loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love cakes of raisins.” Hosea 3:1

Sometimes threats can be effective in coercing behavior. For example, upon re-entering Canada I was informed that if I violate my quarantine I will be subject to 6 months in prison and a fine of up to $750,000. That’s a threat and it’s definitely affecting my behavior. I’m obeying. But I'm doing it more out of a sense of fear than a sense of love. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE the Canadian government. But they've decided in this case that sending me threats would be more effective in getting me to stay home than sending me love notes. 

But this verse in Hosea takes an entirely different approach. It’s an articulation of God’s abiding covenant love for me despite the times when I’ve broken covenant with Him. God’s amazing love for me fills me with love for Him. And when I think of His abiding love for me it makes me take delight in joyfully obeying Him. 

I find deep comfort in this verse. How many times in my life have I “turned to other gods”? Maybe I haven’t offered sacrifices to Baal or burned incense to Caesar. But in my own way I’ve turned to other gods by loving other things more than I love the Lord. And I’ve obeyed my own sinful desires rather than following the path of righteousness that the Lord lays down before me.

And while it is true that I don’t especially love cakes or raisins, I do know what it’s like to privilege my own comforts and preferences over the Lord’s will. How many times have I traded the blessing of the Lord for a pot of lentil stew? (See Genesis 25:34). 

And yet…

God’s love for me is not contingent on my faithfulness to Him. That’s simply amazing. God continues to love me despite my infidelities. In fact, He knew about my flaws and shortcomings long before I ever acted on them and He still decided to love me. What a secure and comforting feeling to know that God loves me like that!

May you find comfort, security and joy in God’s abiding love for you today!

And may His love for you cause you to find joy in obeying Him today. 

I'm glad to be back and I look forward to reconnecting with you soon. 

Pastor Jason