December 7
Hosea 6:1-9:17; 3 John 1:1-14; Psalm 126:1-6; Proverbs 29:12-14
In a world that values tolerance (an affirmation of nearly everything), we must learn to speak the truth. We are especially called to encourage, rebuke, build up, and sharpen those within the church. At times this may make for difficult conversations, but it is God’s calling for us.
Hosea continually called out the Israelites for their unfaithfulness to God. Despite God’s love and pursuit of them, they chose to rebel and wander from him. They continued to participate in many religious activities, but their hearts were far from God. They openly participated in wickedness, shameful crimes, deceit, arrogance, and idolatry. So, Hosea called them out for their sins and called them back to God. Similarly, John calls out Diotrephes in 3 John. He points out his pride and his unwillingness to walk in unity. He says that when he comes he “will call attention to what he is doing” in front of the church.
The reason for these confrontations is that life is only found in God. We can look elsewhere for peace, joy, and satisfaction, but we will always come up empty. Therefore, as God’s ambassadors, we need to call the wayward back to him. The beauty of intimacy with God is described in Psalm 126. The elation of the people was not just because they returned from exile in Babylon, but a return from exile from God. They felt like they were dreaming, experienced laughter and joy, and were restored. This is available to everyone in Christ so let us be willing to do the difficult work of calling people to him.
Father God, thank you that your arms are always open wide for those who come to you. Help me to encourage and challenge those you place in my life. Amen.
Question: How comfortable do you feel about confronting people who are wandering from God?
In a world that values tolerance (an affirmation of nearly everything), we must learn to speak the truth. We are especially called to encourage, rebuke, build up, and sharpen those within the church. At times this may make for difficult conversations, but it is God’s calling for us.
Hosea continually called out the Israelites for their unfaithfulness to God. Despite God’s love and pursuit of them, they chose to rebel and wander from him. They continued to participate in many religious activities, but their hearts were far from God. They openly participated in wickedness, shameful crimes, deceit, arrogance, and idolatry. So, Hosea called them out for their sins and called them back to God. Similarly, John calls out Diotrephes in 3 John. He points out his pride and his unwillingness to walk in unity. He says that when he comes he “will call attention to what he is doing” in front of the church.
The reason for these confrontations is that life is only found in God. We can look elsewhere for peace, joy, and satisfaction, but we will always come up empty. Therefore, as God’s ambassadors, we need to call the wayward back to him. The beauty of intimacy with God is described in Psalm 126. The elation of the people was not just because they returned from exile in Babylon, but a return from exile from God. They felt like they were dreaming, experienced laughter and joy, and were restored. This is available to everyone in Christ so let us be willing to do the difficult work of calling people to him.
Father God, thank you that your arms are always open wide for those who come to you. Help me to encourage and challenge those you place in my life. Amen.
Question: How comfortable do you feel about confronting people who are wandering from God?
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