Bingo!

Connections are made when we have the pieces to connect.  A jigsaw puzzle, for example, only works when we have the pieces that connect together.  Otherwise, the picture doesn’t come into focus.  There’s something missing.

Hear the word of the LORD, O people of Israel! The LORD has brought charges against you, saying: "There is no faithfulness, no kindness, no knowledge of God in your land. You make vows and break them; you kill and steal and commit adultery. There is violence everywhere--one murder after another. That is why your land is in mourning, and everyone is wasting away. Even the wild animals, the birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea are disappearing. (Hosea 4:1-3 NLT)

Reading the prophet, Hosea, can be like reading any of the prophetic books.  There are parts that are filled with doom and gloom.  It seems like God has had enough.  In fact, the LORD is announcing the demise of Israel (the northern kingdom).  This seems a bit harsh without the rest of the picture.  It’s only after reading through the book of Kings that we see how long Israel has been rebelling against God.  They have been worshipping Baal, sleeping with temple prostitutes, and sacrificing their children in the fire, for hundreds of years.  The LORD has been working with them to bring them back and they did return at times, for a short time.  But then they turned away and stayed away.  So, the LORD is sending them into captivity.

Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for your sins have brought you down. Bring your confessions, and return to the LORD. Say to Him, "Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer You our praises. Assyria cannot save us, nor can our warhorses. Never again will we say to the idols we have made, 'You are our gods.' No, in You alone do the orphans find mercy." The LORD says, "Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; My love will know no bounds, for My anger will be gone forever. (Hosea 14:1-4 NLT)

When the book of Kings seems to be “missing pieces” because God looks to be punishing or rewarding unjustly, the book of Chronicles helps out.  It fills in details that may not be reported in Kings.  When we read about those details, the puzzle pieces start fitting in place.  The picture comes into focus.  The message of the prophets makes much more sense.  The story is not about doom and gloom.  It’s a story of redemption.

I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. Israel will blossom like the lily; it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon. Its branches will spread out like beautiful olive trees, as fragrant as the cedars of Lebanon. My people will again live under My shade. They will flourish like grain and blossom like grapevines. They will be as fragrant as the wines of Lebanon. (Hosea 14:5-7 NLT)

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth…and it was good.  Humankind was created in the image of God…very good.  When we listened to the serpent of old, we traded the good gifts of God for the empty promises of God’s enemies.  We lost the Garden Walk.  When we return to the LORD and walk in God’s ways, though, we start to receive the benefits and the blessings of the Garden once again.  Kings paints this picture.  Chronicles paints this picture.  The prophets paint this picture.  The pieces fit together. Bingo!

How about you?  Are the pieces starting to fit together?  Is the picture starting to become clear?  Do you see God’s desire for you and your life?  Are you ready to walk together with God?