Revelation in Homework Assignments

I've been reading parts of the Old Testament's prophetic accounts for my Hebrew Prophets class and some of it is awesome. The faith, even the struggles and complaints of the prophets are encouraging.

For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6)

God wants us to know Him. And to really know Him fills us with the inexpressible understanding of His unconditional love.

You must not be partial in judging: hear out the small and the great alike; you shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God's. Any case that is too hard for you, bring to me, and I will hear it. (Deuteronomy 1:17)

Bias always gets in the way of understanding people. We choose who we immediately like. But we are called to practice compassion impartially. And when the task becomes too great, God's got it.

...Turn to the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul. Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, "Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?" Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, "Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?" No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe. (Deut 30:10-14)

We start to wonder where God is, where His truth lies. So we leave a place of contentment and peace and wander without direction, hoping understanding will hit us someday. We must understand that turning to the Lord, really following Him, starts in the heart and that power flows through vocal cords and out our mouths, bringing hope to ourselves and revelation to others.

For what other great nation has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is whenever we call to him? (Deut 4:7)

We follow an imminent God. He's not a friend to take for granted. He demands reverence, but above all, He longs to enfold us in His love.

God is not a human being, that he should lie, or a mortal, that he should change his mind. Has he promised, and will he not do it? Has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? (Numbers 23:19)

He's dependable. He's intelligent. He holds our confidence and refuses to disappoint us.