The "Fundamental Theological Problem"

I just got a mental pat on the back; as I studied the Old Testament reading for this next Sunday.  

Call me silly, but I enjoying getting small little affirmations on what I personally think.  

I was reading an exegetical perspective, written by Thomas W. Mann, for the 12th Sunday of Pentecost.  Where he talks about a, “fundamental theological problem,” named in the Book of Hosea. 

Now when I first read those words: “fundamental Theological problem,”  my mind went in quite another direction.  What I call: The great division in theological thinking today.

Mann is talking about, what I will call, the gigantic-glitch between God and the Israelite people; and how they had been unfaithful — unfair and disrespectful —to God.

It begins with an interesting metaphor of Hosea’s marriage; and then the naming of his children. Which refers to Israel’s love affair with other gods; by prostituting their heart in God’s face.

However, Mann suggests that there is a much graver problem then promiscuity of the heart’s basic desirers.

Israel’s leader were also guilty of desiring the greed enjoyed by foreign powers.  Giving their souls away to other powers who now claim their attention, allegiance and loyalty.

The “fundamental theological problem” is that the  people and leaders, of God’s  “chosen,” have been blatantly disloyal, by their craving for money and power.

This is a God who will not tolerate lack of faithfulness.

Hear, O Israel,…6 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; ⁷you shall have no other gods before me.  8 You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. ⁹You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God,  (Deut. 5)

Through the author of Hosea, God is making clear that there has been a failure among the troops.

Now this is where my mind went away from Mann’s exegesis: God is basically saying that he is disowning Israel.

                                       
That is, God is cutting the cord, so to speak.

There is one thing God had ask of His people; and that was their loyalty and allegiance.  Being faithful to no other power or idol.
  

Mann puts it this way:  “But God’s “steadfast love and faithfulness” depend on Israel’s steadfast love and faithfulness. In that it benefits those who keep covenant and remember God’s commandments (Ps 103:18)”

But my mind went to the unfortunate theology of those who want to draw a line in the sand when it comes to God’s grace and forgiveness today.

So, what I am thinking is that there are many leaders in this nation, and in the entire world, who are at this moment prostituting their, hearts and minds, before God.

To begin the next thought, for tomorrow:  How would God, in Jesus’s mouth, handle this very apparent fundamental theological problem?

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,

   for he will speak peace to his people,

   to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. 

Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,

   that his glory may dwell in our land. 

Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;

   righteousness and peace will kiss each other. 

Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,

   and righteousness will look down from the sky. 

The Lord will give what is good,

   and our land will yield its increase. 

Righteousness will go before him,

   and will make a path for his steps.(Ps.85:8-13)