I have this one scar that is right above my right knee. This scar is almost gone because it is really old (approximately 30 years old). However, the memory of this scar is still in my mind as if it just happened yesterday. This scar is rather embarrassing because it is a visual of a very cowardly moment. My younger cousin was riding on the handlebars of the bicycle that I was peddling and steering for her. We crashed and burned. She was caught under the bike and asking for help when I looked down and saw blood coming out of my leg. I panicked and ran for the house to get myself medical help and attention without rendering aid or concern for my helpless younger female cousin. We can laugh about it today, however, that story and the scar from my stitches is still rather embarrassing for me. You can imagine the teasing I get from my family members and relatives each time they retell that story.
If we are all honest, we all have such scars. Scars that we would just soon forget about. Scars that we would rather hide and not reveal to anyone or perhaps we find creative ways to cover the scars up. As I begin studying the book of Hosea, it is interesting to me that God chose to use this prophet and his family life to teach His people some very important Godly and Biblical truths. The one fact that I can not get out of my head is that God chose to use a troublesome marriage and some difficult family circumstances to make the foundation stone of Hosea's ministry. The second verse in the book of Hosea tells us that the Lord commanded Hosea to marry a promiscuous wife and have children of promiscuity. What are we to do with that kind of verse? God is going to use this dysfunctional marriage and family relationship to teach His people about the parallel between spiritual and marital unfaithfulness. God demands love and loyalty from His own, and many times God's people fail to demonstrate love and loyalty to Him. In spite of this fact, God stands ready to forgive and restore those who turn to Him in repentance.
Allow me to share some personal and applicable truths I receive from this book. First, my family is not perfect and we have scars just like most families do. The truth is God wants my family to be an example of what it means to love and forgive in spite of our scars. Second, God takes some of the ugliest scars and through His supernatural ability to heal, forgive, and restore can make the scar less and less visible. The tragedies of the past within your family or my family, God can use for His glory and His good. It may be difficult for you to see that today, however, trust in God and trust in His Word. If you don't believe me, do your own personal study of the book of Hosea and see what God teaches you and reveals to you. Third, our only hope is God. I don't know what kind of scars you have or the scars that are within your family, but I do know who God is. God assures His people that He would show compassion on them, He would redeem them, He would remove unrighteousness and restore the covenant to His people, and He would rebuild them. They only had to do two things: repent and place their faith back in Him. It's that simple.
The scars in our life that have caused embarrassment, shame, guilt, worry, and trouble can be used to the glory of God. It hinges upon us bringing those scars to the Lord. Remember I Peter 5:6-7, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you." Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you."
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