Have you ever lived through despair and joy during the same season? For me the seasons of despair always seem to “feel” longer than the refreshing periods of joy but I would gladly trade my despair for joy any day.
The Prophet Hosea has the unenviable call to share, with God’s covenant people, the reality of their despair; yet in same breath he also points them toward their coming season of joy and reunion with Jesus. What I find especially encouraging is the complete nature of this prophetic promise. God not only reminds them of a wedding reunion but a day in which all things, in creation, will be perfect as it was intended.
Imagine a day when “On that day I will make an arrangement with the wild animals, the birds, and the animals that crawl on the ground. I will destroy all the bows, swords, and weapons of war,
so people can live safely.”
In an increasing age of war, violence and societal despair creation longs for the restoration of all things back unto Him. What a day when we live no longer under the social and moral ills that plague our daily life. What a life to expect when we are no longer burdened with unfaithful thoughts, misplaced affections and distractions that turn our priorities all around. I am longing for that day of joy in my life…what about you?
One final thought….All of God’s promises are complete. Remember Hosea not only prophesied to Israel but the entirety of creation. Perhaps many of us have only experienced partial seasons of blessings that too quickly passed and were replaced with times of despair. While we can all reflect on the “How we arrived at such a place?” let’s also live with the glad expectation that seasons of refreshing and joy are waiting. God never leaves life half-done. The complete and perfect nature of God guarantees He will see His promises fulfilled as He spoke them.
What does that mean for us? Those who are part of His wedding plans have the joy of anticipating a great reunion, festival and eternal season of happiness….one where despair is so distant a memory we can never feel its curse or remember its burden…and I, for one, gladly anticipate that soon coming day!
Blessings – Pastor JOSHUA
GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Ho 2:18). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.
It even includes unexpected categories such as financial or health satisfaction; it allows subjective cialis online have a peek here evaluation of life as well as help you overcome impotence. It is totally cialis professional australia safe for human health. So, you can also go with this choice. buy levitra discount Our canadian pharmacies viagra company believes that home decor, including bathroom and kitchen of course, only express your personal touch, wishes, and preferences.