Age brings perspective that is not possible at earlier stages. Through 35 years of parish ministry, I have met so many people whose lives have touched and shaped mine. A strangely satisfying experience has been visiting people whom I knew as children now taking roles of mature leaders in church and society.
In candid conversations, some expressed regret for their past apathy in confirmation class and resistance to church as youth. Seeing them decades later, leading in their congregations and communities, is testimony to God’s faithfulness. God’s love graciously draws us in and leads us, even when we aren’t paying attention.
Not to say we don’t still try to resist God’s love. Hosea had words for the rebellious nation of Israel. Like defiant children they turned their backs on God to pursue more exciting gods.
Many people pursue fulfillment apart from God. We may be just as prone to unfaithfulness as the people of ancient Israel whom Hosea addressed. Yet the bottom line in all of Hosea’s warning and scolding is that God’s love is constant. God leads us with cords of human kindness and bands of love.
God, when we turn away, draw us back to you. May your love bring healing to our brokenness. Amen. —