Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Apostle Tom" <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Fri, 19 Oct 2007 18:20:58 -0500
To: pressingon@hotmail.com
Subject: Morning Manna (Oct. 20); BP: Hos. 6:1-3; RBTTY: II Thess. 3; Is. 59-61
October 20 “Life’s Greatest Pursuit”
“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord, His going forth is
prepared as the morning. And He shall come unto us as the rain—as the
latter and former rain unto the earth.”
Hosea 6:3
This is truly the Pilgrim’s “Magnificent Obsession.”
Today’s Manna is a beautiful one, for it talks about our being “drawn”
and “driven” in our Pilgrim’s Progress. Set in the context of God’s love
for Israel, the book of Hosea (like the Epistle to the Hebrews) contains
both “wooings” and “warnings:” God’s wooing His Bride (Israel) to “return
unto Him, their First Love” and warning them of what would happen if they
didn’t.
His warnings weren’t threats, i.e., “Here’s what’s going to you if you
don’t come back to Me!” Instead, they were passionate pleadings from a
brokenhearted Lover as He tried to help them come to their senses. Yet, as
is so often the case, she wouldn’t listen and continued to “play the harlot”
by pursuing other lovers (nations, gods). And, later she’d experience the
hardships and heartaches that come when we stray from the One Who knows us
best and loves us most.
The Heavenly Father knows we are created for intimate fellowship with
Him since He’s the One Who created us. He also knows our propensity, as the
old Gospel songs says, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the
God I love.”
So, He says “I will go and return to My place, ‘till they acknowledge
their offense and seek My face. In their affliction they will seek Me
early/earnestly” (Hos. 5:15). He knows we’ll never find satisfaction in
anything or anyone else if we’re truly His and will ultimately reach the
place where we say “I will go and return to my First Husband—for then was it
better with me than now” (Hos. 2:7).
Sometimes the road back Home is a long and difficult one, particular if
we’ve strayed far from Him. Guilt, shame, a boatload of regrets, etc., so
often weigh us down, tempting us to give in to hopeless despair; yet,
thankfully, our Lord’s love pursues us like the Hound of Heaven, reminding
us that His grace is greater than our sins. Hallelujah!!
Thus, our “returning unto the Lord” (v.1a) is combination of being
“drawn” and “driven.” It is His love for us that draws us and our love for
Him that drives us. Even though “He has torn us,” we know He is gracious
and “will heal us” (v.1b). And, even though we may see nothing but death
and desolation right now, “on the third day He will raise us up and we shall
live in His sight” (v.2). Aren’t you thankful for this blessed Resurrection
Hope? Glory!!
The key in all of this is “if we follow on to know the Lord.” The
Hebrew word “radaph” is used for “follow on” and also means “to run after,
chase, passionately pursue, etc.” What’s the “prize” of this pursuit?
“Knowing Him!” This was Paul’s “Magnificent Obsession” (Phil. 3:10) and it
should be ours as well. May the Holy Spirit help us to make this our #1
priority today (Mt. 6:33).
_________________________________________________________________
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