Redeeming Love

      At 2:45 AM on Wednesday I finished re-reading one of my favorite books, Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers. It’s a “Christian classic” piece of fiction set during the gold rush in California based on the Biblical story of the Prophet Hosea and his wife who was a prostitute, Gomer. The first time I read the book I did so in 1 day, 8 hours, pulling myself away to tend to basic needs. It is an exceptional work that will break you, shape you, and change the way you look at redemption, the depth of God’s love for you and sovereignty in your life. Yes, it’s that good. I’ve decided that reading it needs to be one of those things I make a point of doing at least once a year, like watching It’s a Wonderful Life every Christmas. Below are some of the quotes that stood out to me. Trust me, it’s worth the read, just make sure you have a good chunk of time set aside to read it, you won’t want to put it down.

“...for some of us, one mile can be more to walk than thirty.”

“As gentle a man as he was, as tender as was his heart, there was nothing weak about Michael Hosea. He was the strongest-minded man Joseph had ever met. A Man like Noah. A Man like the Shepherd-king David. A man after God's own heart.”

“Lord, you said do your will and I’m trying hard. Does it have to hurt so much?...why did you give me this?

Because a thing seems difficult for you, do not think it impossible. –Marcus Aurelius

'You know, sometimes you can hurt yourself more by trying to keep yourself from being hurt'

“I don’t believe in some little, shriveled up old man in a long white beard sitting on a throne looking over me”. He chuckled. “Neither do I. I believe in something a lot bigger than that, and I’ll tell you something else,” His smile was gentle. “Just because you don’t believe in the Lord doesn’t mean His power isn’t working for you”.

He had lived Christ so that she could understand.

“What if God says no?” The possibility didn’t distress her. “Then he’s got something else in mind, something better than what you would think up for yourself”…”Angel, it’s not always easy to accept…”

“Jonathan closed his eyes. Oh, God, it’s not the way I had things planned. But then, what of real, lasting value ever is?”

“I have been insufferable, and self-righteous, and cruel. The revelation was bitter and painful, but a relief, too. There was an odd sort of freedom in standing before a mirror and seeing himself clearly. For the first time in his life”.

"Angel had understood a higher quality of love: sacrifice"

“Love the Lord your God, and love one another. Love one another as He loves. Love with strength and purpose and passion and no matter what comes against you. Don't weaken. Stand against the darkness, and love. That's the way back into Eden. That's the way back to life.”