July 29, 2007

How to Mend Fences

by Rev. Dr. Jim Carlson

Hosea 1:2-10

Opening Illustration

Hosea written to encourage Israel to reunite with Judah.

Tell Story: Gomer – Marriage allegory for Israel’s unfaithfulness.

Son – Jezreel “God Sows” – God will punish Israel for Jehu’s bloody overthrow of Ahab.

Bible has more than one perspective on this event. (Slide)

Daughter – Lo Ruhamma “Not Pitied” – God will not pity Israel anymore.

Son – Lo Ammi “Not my People” Israel not God’s people anymore.

God promises a resurgence – Israel will come back again.

Sermon too short for explanation of all Israel had done wrong. They broke the covenant they had made with God. Alienated themselves from Judah.

Not all Israel’s fault. Judah had oppressed Israel under Solomon.

3 Things to learn about mending fences

First: Past injustices must be corrected or apologies made.

Duke LaCrosse DA apologizes.

Second: More than one perspective on a given issue. (Illustration)

Third: Sometimes a complete break is needed before real healing can take place.

We tend to hold onto abusive relationships when we should break them off. Better to be abused then to be alone. (Disappearing women)

God breaks things off with Israel in Hosea 1.

Cut ties in order to protect ourselves but also to promote healing.

Reconciliation is always the best if possible. God brings together people who have been at odds with one another.