Kingdom Building
July 23, 2019
Scripture Reading: Hosea 1:2-10
When she had weaned Lo-ruhamah, she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said, ‘Name him Lo-ammi, for you are not my people and I am not your God.’
Yet the number of the people of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which can be neither measured nor numbered; and in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people’, it shall be said to them, ‘Children of the living God.’ –Hosea 1:8-10
Some politicians and religious leaders in the USA seem to be under the impression that the current nation of Israel can do no wrong and thus the USA government should support anything they desire. I have no idea where that sort of thinking is derived. Even a cursory reading of the books of Kings and Chronicles does not support such a position. the records of some of those leaders’ follies clearly proves that God held them accountable for their misdeeds. God even sent prophets to warn them about their infractions. If anything, God held God’s people to a higher standard. Hosea compares the nation of Israel in his time as being like whore’s selling themselves for a profit. Hosea states it ominously ‘You are not my people’.
Of course, there were good leaders, too, and there was always a remnant of God followers who sought reconciliation with God when the nation went astray. I believe that is true today. Having cut my teeth on the stories of Abraham and Sarah, David and Goliath, Ruth and Deborah, I feel a special affinity for the nation of Israel wanting the very best for them. That very best for them as for those of us who are Christ followers is grounded in the overriding call to set the example for the whole world that love is stronger than hate and will win out ultimately. I think, God would like for God’s followers to work as hard as possible to make that happen sooner than later.
Prayer: Lord of Mercy and Justice, enable us to spread your love throughout the world causing war to end and greed to melt into assuring that all have enough. Amen.
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.