Stop trying to reconcile God. Be reconciled to Him
Hosea 9-11/Mark 1-3
How to get the most out of Hungry Bible
OT
9:8-9 The prophet is a watchman for my God over Israel, yet traps are laid in front of him wherever he goes. He faces hostility even in the house of God. The things my people do are as depraved as what they did in Gibeah long ago. God will not forget. He will surely punish them for their sins.
11:8-11 “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you like Admah and Zeboiim? My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows. No, I will not punish you as much as my burning anger tells me to. I will not completely destroy Israel, for I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you, and I will not come to destroy. For someday the people will follow the LORD. I will roar like a lion, and my people will return trembling from the west. Like a flock of birds, they will come from Egypt. Flying like doves, they will return from Assyria. And I will bring them home again,” says the LORD.
NT
1:15 “At last the time has come!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Turn from your sins and believe this Good News!”
3:33-35 Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
OT Flash Points
God’s wrath and compassion
His dispersion and gathering
NT Flash Points
Who is My mother, brothers, and sisters?
Turn and believe
Perspective
Life without war or antagonism is impossible
Life and holiness is the balance between my disposition and the Law of God
That balance is perfectly expressed in Jesus, “I have come to do Your will.”