Matthew Prather - February 16, 2020
Pursued by Grace
It's human nature to run from God. People see Him as police officer chasing them down or a judge waiting to convict them of all their crimes. But God doesn't pursue us with judgment, He pursues us with grace. God offers a beautiful picture of grace in the story of Hosea and Gomer. His wife is lost in a life of prostitution, owing more debts than she can ever hope to pay. God tells Hosea to not only pay the price for his lost wife, but to "go and love her," despite her failures. This is the nature of God's extravagant grace. He loves us when we are least lovable. He pays a high price for us when we are least valuable. It's time to stop running and be caught by grace.
From Series: "Relentless"
One of the greatest love stories ever told is found the book of Hosea. It is a great example of how God pursues us with grace that is greater than your mess. That is the central message of a God that pursues us. In a culture that often looks to the negative, shame can become something others use to get what they want. This idea of shame can cause us to see ourselves unable to receive God's love. Grace has to get below the surface of your shame and guilt for there to be healing. Because the only shame you carry now is the shame you choose to carry.