"I will lure you into the desert, and there I will speak to your heart." ~ Hosea 2:14

Most people don't turn to the book of Hosea for their daily devotion time. This book by what is often referred to as a 'minor' prophet was written in the 8th century BCE. Like most prophets, Hosea was outspoken and in your face. He wrote the book to remind the Israelites that God is a loving one unlike many of the gods the people also worshiped. It is a small and complex book using the unusual metaphor of saying God is like a loving husband who continues to love his wife even when she is unfaithful. It has been a problematic book for women and one that can stir up heated conversations.

But, all that particular historical information aside, I do love this line from the second chapter. What does it mean to be 'lured' by the Holy? I have to admit it sounds comforting, even exciting to me. The definition of 'lure', fishing equipment aside comes from an Old English word 'lathian' meaning 'to invite'. Further definitions point to words like: entice, attract, even tempt. 

Now granted this word, 'lure', does have a certain creepy factor. We often think of victims being lured someplace against their will. But that is not, I don't think, the primary intention of this word. To be lured is to loved in a way that is so engaging one cannot help but follow. And when we are lured by the Holy One to desert or wilderness, to a place of quiet and presence, we allow ourselves to hear how God speaks to our heart. 

My week will be bookended by two retreat experiences. In the early part of the week I was in one beautiful wilderness retreat setting. Tomorrow I head toward our church's retreat center for yet another time of pulling away from the busy-ness of city life to a place apart. Though these two experiences were planned by human activity, they provide the opportunity for listening to the voice of One who is always luring me, always luring you.

What are the words my heart needs to hear? What are the words your heart needs to hear? Everyday, whether in wilderness or the noise of the city, I believe the Holy One lures us, invites us out of a great love, to listen and to hear the words that our hearts need to hear for the healing of the world, for the healing of our lives.

Our work is to follow and to be open.