Precious Moments That Count For EternitySample

When Grace and Mercy Kissed The Old Testament prophet Hosea was instructed by God to marry a harlot named Gomer. Hosea obeyed God, but Gomer continued her adulterous ways and sold herself into harlotry many times over. In obedience to God, Hosea forgave her, extended mercy and grace to her and bought her back from those who had enslaved her (Hosea 3:2). God was demonstrating to the nation of Israel their spiritual adultery towards Him. Israel had forsaken God. This was the same God, who had brought them out of slavery and into the Promised Land. But Israel, time and again, forgot their covenant with God and embraced foreign gods. Every time they faced divine judgment, they repented and God would extend His mercy to them. God desired Israel’s total devotion and faithfulness to Him, as a bride to her bridegroom in a marriage covenant (Isaiah 54:5). God expects the same from us, His children. Hosea pursued his wife and paid a price to buy her back. So did the Father when He paid the most valuable price by sending His Son to redeem us from our sin. We deserved judgment and eternal separation. What manner of love would move a holy God to extend His grace and mercy to us, miserable sinners! If you have allowed pleasures, success, money or even family to stray away from God, His love pursues you. He is jealous about you, as a husband is towards his wife, and He will not share you with anyone or anything. He gives you His undivided attention and requires the same from you. Return to Jesus, the Lover of your soul and let His grace and mercy embrace you. His unconditional love compels us to love Him faithfully (2 Corinthians 5:14). Prayer Father, I am in awe of Your love for me, despite having strayed from You. Thank You for relentlessly pursuing me and bringing me back to You. Your grace and mercy continually beckon me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.