The Real Meaning of Life

https://biblehub.com/nkjv/hosea/1.htm

We’ve been studying the Bible for at least 347 studies, and we still have 750 years to go before we reach the life of Jesus. And unfortunately, it’s more of the same. No matter how much God tries to get through to the children of Israel, they are still a stiff-necked people. Sin has already been introduced back in the Garden of Eden. There’s no turning back, but at least God is trying somewhat to keep everyone under control, but they just won’t listen.

And neither do we.

After around 4,000 years, God finally sends His Son to earth to teach us how to live, and it’s now 2,000 years later and we still can’t get it right. Sin remains constant, great sin, and God’s Mercy remains constant with it.

Hosea was one of the “minor” prophets in the Bible. And when I started to read the first chapter, I knew I was over my head. I’m not a smart man, and what I read in this book of the Bible is way over my head. Hosea, like other books, is full of symbolism mixed with reality, and I’m just not smart enough to tel the difference between the two. I pray for understanding, I pray for an open mind and heart, and I pray that the Spirit leads me, but just like High School, sitting in an English Literature class, I just don’t get it.

But what I can say is, I can get the message. I may not understand the story and the characters, but I get the message. And once again, regardless of the language they use to misconstrue the character of God, the author does have to admit that God is merciful. These chapters of the Book of Hosea again talk about the sins of the children of Israel, but most importantly it sends God’s message that He is merciful, that He will forgive them, and He will make them one nation again under one ruler.

Now, I’m sure there are theologians out there that have interpreted this book and profess to know what it means. But I can’t help believe that that is simply opinion. I’m sure they’ve studied and they think they have figured out all of the symbols, and maybe they have. But then again, maybe they haven’t. And I would rather trust in God that trust in man. I know how man is. Man has been portraying God as an angry and vengeful being for way too long.

Don’t listen to me though. I’m just a man with my opinions as well. Perhaps you have a better insight than I. But the “message” I read from this, is that God has, is, and always be Merciful to those who turn to Him. And yes, it’s time for Israel and Judah to make up and become one nation again.

And let me finish by saying once again, I don’t think the Bible is a test. I don’t think God designed His words to be a secret that we have to figure out. I think it is man that did that. And if we can at least figure out the message, even a dumb guy like me, that is what is important to God.

I pray you find truth and understanding as well as you read the words of the prophet Hosea.

God is not an angry God…He is loving and merciful.
God is good, all the time!