Text: Hosea 14:1-9
Israel as a nation is gone, and is now in the books of history. But how can he possibly offer restoration from apostasy? Because His love changes everything.
A people who desire to find their way back to a loving relationship with their heavenly Father are invited to agree that they are the ones responsible for their failure (vv.1, 4). They have not found success in their strange gods or the countries they come from; so, they find themselves completely without hope and in need of divine intervention. The Prophet describes our repentance as an attitude of orphaned children, helpless, in need of parents. We are asking God to become our direct parent, and teach us in ways that are right and are best for us and for His glory.
“I will love them freely” (verse 4). This is the greatest expression of love that there can be. Love is truly offered without condition, without a price, without any hope of anything to receive in return. This is the only reason why salvation is possible and freely available. In love Christ has restored us to the Father when we were stubborn children running away from any kind of authority.
Yet Christ sent His Holy Spirit to convict us of sin and bring us by the greatest spiritual power to Himself. This was for us to know Him personally, to feel and sense His love in a direct way. Out of that loving relationship a whole new way of life is born. We are made new; we are released to learn and grow. We enjoy Him as He changes our lives and leads us from glory to glory. Praise Him for His everlasting and never failing love for you!
Meditate on verse 1. How are you going to apply it to your life?
Ever loving Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I thank You for teaching me Your unfathomable love. I choose to be in fellowship with You. Forgive me all my sins and make me the kind of person You want me to be. Amen.