The
Percussion of Seduction
By
MiT Valerie A. Johnson
In an orchestra, the audience experiences
rhythmic movements to the tuneful sounds of strings, brass, woodwind, and
percussion. The cadence of the drum, cymbals, or piano add vivid color and
excitement, galvanizing our senses, often without our consent. We detect
similar lyrical fluctuation in the expression of Hosea 11:1 as he
metaphorically characterizes a nurturing parent-child relationship between God
and His beloved son (Israel). Israel's heart strayed from his father,
preferring the seductive snare of idol worship. But God was 'aroused' with
compassion (Hosea 11:8-9), devotedly pursuing justice by mercy and forgiveness,
not wrath. As parents, caregivers, or school officials, can we forgive our
children when they break our rules? Can we affirm and restore them when they've
wronged us? God's infinite love caresses us with words of affirmation-- "I
love you with an everlasting love" (Jer 31:3), "I'll never leave nor
forsake you" (Deut 31:6), "though your sins be as scarlett, they will
white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18). When we fall prey to seductive reasoning
(sin), we must confess it, and ask our heavenly Father's forgiveness, knowing
"...he's faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness" (1John 1:9). Yes, we live orchestral lives, often with
sudden syncopation, yet the depths of God's "hesed"--(God's faithfulness
to His covenant), draws us "ALL IN" to himself, drumming mercy and
blowing forgiveness, that we may know Him intimately, and flow harmoniously
with our fellow man.
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