Friday, July 11, 2014

Paint Party Friday: Return to Love

The story of the prophet Hosea is amazing.
The Talmud, the central text of 
Rabbinic Judaism, of which the Torah is part,
calls Hosea the greatest prophet
of his generation.
And he is the only Jewish prophet
who left any written prophecy.

What is amazing is God told him,
this shy bachelor, to marry
this beautiful woman Gomer.
But God also told him that she would be unfaithful.
In spite of that, Hosea, like any obedient prophet,
went and wooed Gomer,
loved her, and had three children with her.
It went downhill after that
because she left him for a succession of men.
He had to rescue her from slavery
and bought her at an auction for
fifteen pcs. of silver and a bushel of barley!

This story of a love so great and forgiving
foreshadows the story of God's love for us.
God is always asking us to return to Him.
In spite of our sins and unfaithfulness,
God says to us, "Return to me,
your sins have been your downfall.
But only return and ask me to forgive your sins,
and I will heal your waywardness
and love you freely.
I will turn away my wrath
and be like dew to you.
You will blossom and bear fruit."
Hosea 14:2-10

That is the story of the Bible isn't it? 
At Bethlehem God entered the slave market 
where the whole human race 
was putting itself up for auction, 
prostituting itself and its humanity 
to a cheapened life. 
But on the cross the Lord Jesus paid the price, 
the full price for our freedom, 
and bought us back. 
This is the story of God's love and God's heart -- 
his loving desire to make of his people 
the full persons he intended them to be."
 "I took you in my arms;
I drew you with cords of kindness,

love and compassion...
my heart is overwhelmed..."
Hosea 11:3,8

This is God saying He loves us,
He loves us, He loves us!!!
It's a crazy love, an unimaginable love!
Imagine a billionaire saying he would exchange
his magnificent mansion for your hovel,
his unlimited bank account for your
meager savings. The Great Exchange!
And it has already been offered to us!

Jesus says to us, "I'll take your poverty 
and give you my riches. 
I'll take your sin and trade it 
for my righteousness.
I came into your decaying world 
to give you eternity!"


Linking with

So many WONDERFUL blogfriends 
to discover here!

Thank you for dropping by!
You are appreciated!

Patsy

8 comments:

  1. Your posts week after week are an inspiration. I love this one today, not only the art work but also the wonderful reminder of how much God loves us.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wonderful post! Happy PPF!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Patsy
    The background is so pretty for your lovely image and scripture. Thank you for posting this wonderful work of art at Word Art Wednesday.
    Blessings, Carole Robb Bisson

    ReplyDelete
  4. I feel like your posts are once weekly devotions. I was just thinking of the story of Hosea this morning. Love your sweet paintings.

    ReplyDelete
  5. your images are so perfectly matched to the passages which shows how much thought goes into your work each week... just wonderful...xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beautiful, inspiring paintings.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful post! It's always so inspiring to read your posts and see your artwork! I just wish you had share buttons to be able to share it with others too!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Often Song of Solomon is held up as the most beautiful love story, and although it is, I think this love story is so much more poignant. Thank you for sharing it and your beautiful artwork at What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Have a great week!

    Blessings,
    Deborah

    ReplyDelete

I am so glad you dropped by! You are a blessing!
:^) Patsy