Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 Search Archive Print This Article Upside down Saturday, April 2, 2011 Hosea 6:1-3 Come and let us return to the Lord. It is he who has torn us to pieces, but he will heal us. He has struck us, but he will bind our wounds. He will revive us after two days; on the third day he will raise us up ... As certain as the dawn is his coming. Now wait a minute. What is Hosea telling me about God? What is God telling me about himself? Are You that changeable? Can I trust You to love me if you tear me to pieces first? If I hear this story about a father in Urbana, don't I at least think about calling DCFS? Should I be capitalizing Your Name? Through Hosea, God does have something to say about us, too: "Your piety is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away ... it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings" (Hosea 6:5-6) So God says my "religion" is not impressive. But God tells me I can know him, and that's what He wants. How do I know God? To love him is to know him? Jesus helps me here, when he identifies himself with the least and the broken, the poor and the sick, the orphans and the widows. Know God? Get to know your neighbor. Know God? Stop by the nursing home and visit an old friend, visit anyone. Know God? Notice PEOPLE and know that underneath whatever exterior they show, they are not as strong as you think they are. Jesus says he will be right there too, ready to be known. Luke quotes Jesus in chapter 18: "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled." Maybe not such good news for me ... not when I value power and control, security and strength even a little too much. Not when I feel complacent about how much I give, how well I pray, how important I am to God's plan. Not when I think mostly about myself! Jesus continues, "The one who humbles himself will be exalted." I think, Lord, you mean for me to notice you and notice others ... give to you and give to others ... love you and love others. And that is all you need from me. What I need from you is purpose and meaning for my life. I need your confidence about me, about who I am, what you want me to be and do. Is that the deal? Is that what you have for me? If that's what you're saying, Lord, then please give me all the faith I need to believe you. And, then, to just DO IT! "; Add      Edit    Delete