August 4, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for August 4th: Hosea 11:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9,43; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21 Theme: a world where everyone is equal Colossians: Paul talks a lot in his writings about the difference between a spiritual life and an earthly life. As Christians we are spiritual beings, and we look beyond what the eye can see. We don’t act like people in the world. But I think that the most important message is at the end of this scripture. We are all equal in God’s eyes. God looks at our hearts, and not out physical appearance. Christ came to save us all – and wants all different types of people to be present in the kingdom of God. What would it be like if we lived like that on earth? What would that mean? We have to remember that our Christian life is about who we are inside. Inside of our hearts. But our hearts have been with us all along. So the Christ has been with us all the time, but sometimes it takes time to manifest it. Hosea: The beginning of Hosea was the lament, the bad news, now Hosea is giving a message of hope that things will get better, and God will show mercy on his children, no matter how bad they have been. Sometimes we have to ask ourselves what it will take for things to change. What will it take for people to have a change of heart and be willing to seek God out, instead of walking away. Hosea prophesies that the people will be exiled from their land. But then they can hear the voice of God and welcome God’s presence. For the people in Hosea’s time it took a war devastating their land, to give them the determination to rebuild. God was with them throughout all of it. God is the light at the end of the tunnel. And once the sunshine is present, God will not punish them again. Jesus gives us all hope for a better life. And if we repent, that grace is always waiting for us.