THE COMPLICATED WAY HOME

“I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hidden from Me; For now, O Ephraim, you have played the harlot.”  Hosea 4:3

            Harlotry was second nature to me.  It was far too easy to substitute my need for God for other people and other things because they satisfied for a while.  Consequently, I felt no impending crisis.  There were few clues that spiritual prostitution would lead me to the dead-end street of emotional bankruptcy.  I was on a journey to no-where, though the road signs promised otherwise.  I ended up lost and far from home.

            My circuitous path was not hidden from God.  Though I was off course and disoriented, He had memorized my wayward excursion.  He remembered each fork in the road and which way I chose to go.  Though I ended up feeling like a rat in a maze who couldn’t seem to find its way back, God held the map.  He took me, in reverse, to each intersection in the road; allowing me to review my choices.  Wisdom was birthed as I understood where I went astray.  Choosing the right way the second time opened my eyes to the meaning of redemption for there was joy as the lights of home slowly came into view.

            We often think we have strayed too far.  Spiritual purity seems out of reach and a distant dream.  We have forgotten that God’s arm is long and His mercy is deep.  He calls us home and offers a second chance no matter how far from our roots we traveled.  The way back starts with humility and an admission that we’re lost.  The author, Brennan Manning says, “I cannot receive what the crucified Rabbi has to give until I stretch out my arms till they ache.”

I’m so glad that I came home, Lord. I reached for You. You gave me wisdom in exchange for foolishness.  Thank you.  Amen