“Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to Him, “Take away all iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may present the fruit of our lips. Assyria will not save us, we will not ride on horses; nor will we say again, ‘Our god,’ to the work of our hands; for in You the orphan finds mercy”” (Hosea 14:1-3).
In the final chapter of the book of Hosea, the prophet issues one final call for repentance to the wayward northern kingdom. At this point, the die is cast. The Assyrian destruction and captivity cannot be avoided. But that didn’t preclude the possibility of individual hearts returning to the God they had abandoned even if they couldn’t avoid the immediate discipline looming on the horizon.
In the verses listed above, Hosea provides several points of reference that are key to a return to God. First, an acknowledgment that we are the problem, not God: “...for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.” The tendency is to blame anyone or anything else for our problems. True repentance admits that I’m the problem. Second, an admission of our guilt: “...that we may present the fruit of our lips.” We can present external offerings to God and still have an unchanged heart. A repentant heart is evidenced by a verbal “offering” of confession. Third, an affirmation that no one or nothing other than God can save us: “Assyria will not save us…” The temptation is to seek deliverance in other places and in other ways. But that is doomed to failure. Fourth, an appeal to the mercy of God: “...in You the orphan finds mercy.” A sinner brings nothing of value with which to bargain with God for forgiveness. Iniquity makes orphans of all of us, yet the repentant can turn to the One who desires to be a Father to the fatherless.
Praise God for His willingness to forgive those who return to Him!
God loves you!
Mike
No comments:
Post a Comment