Return,
O Israel, to the LORD Your God
The love of a parent for their
children is a very deep and powerful kind of love. So, we can relate when God
speaks of His tender love for His people – comparing it to the love of a parent
as He holds them in His arms, as He feeds them, teaches them to walk, protects them,
cares for them and prospers them. Some parents can also relate when God speaks
of His children whose path turns them against the One who loves them best… the One
who gave them life. The Father does not want to let them go. He pleads with
them to return, He punishes them, He promises them good things if they will
return to Him and leave their life of destruction. But what do you do when a
child refuses the good you want to give them? The LORD doesn’t give up on His
children. He turns away His anger. He says, “I will heal their apostasy, I will
love them freely” (Hosea 14:4-9). “Therefore, return to your God, observe
kindness and justice, and wait for your God continually” (Hosea 12:6). From the
LORD comes our fruit. He is the One with the answers. He is the One who looks
after us. The book of Hosea ends with this exhortation for the people of God: “Whoever
is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know
them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous will walk in them,
but transgressors will stumble in them” (Hosea 14:9). Dear Father, help us,
Your children, to walk in Your righteous ways. Help us to wait for You continually.
Help us to come to You for answers. If we stray, help us to return. For You are
the One who loves us best. You are the One who gave us life. You desire
only good for us. May we be called, “Your people”. And may we receive the most
precious gift of a life forever with You – our loving Father.
No comments:
Post a Comment