God’s Love for Us
Hosea 14:1-9
We have become trapped by the negative thinking of the world that all will turn out for the worse in the end. Although God has many hard things to say in this book, we are reminded that it is not his plan to finally let his people be destroyed.
A certain amount of warning and threat will bring the right answer from our hearts. Sometimes we need to be reminded of what is really important–what will last. God’s love for us is unending. It goes beyond our limited understanding. Let’s make a habit of returning that love to him.
The Lord Promises To Forgive
Israel, return! Come back to the LORD, your God. Sin has made you fall. Return to the LORD and say, “Please forgive our sins. Accept our good sacrifices of praise instead of bulls. Assyria can’t save us, and chariots can’t help. So we will no longer worship the idols we have made. Our LORD, you show mercy to orphans.”
Israel, you have rejected me, but my anger is gone; I will heal you and love you without limit. I will be like the dew–then you will blossom like lilies and have roots like a tree. Your branches will spread with the beauty of an olive tree and with the aroma of Lebanon Forest. You will rest in my shade, and your grain will grow. You will blossom like a vineyard and be famous as the wine from Lebanon.
Israel, give up your idols! I will answer your prayers and take care of you. I am that glorious tree, the source of your fruit. If you are wise, you will know and understand what I mean. I am the LORD, and I lead you along the right path. If you obey me, we will walk together, but if you are wicked, you will stumble.
