Day 249

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Repentance: Israel's Solution!

Scripture

September 5—Hosea 12-14: A Cleansed Reunion

Observation

No sermon about the sickness of sin would be complete without God's remedy for sin. The prophet Hosea declares, "O Israel return to the Loud for you have been crushed by your sins. Come to the Lord and say "O Lord take away our sins; be gracious to us and receive us" (14:1-2). What is God's response to such heartfelt repentance? "I will cure you of idolatry and faithlessness, and my love will know no bounds. They will be a watered garden and blossom like grapes" (14:4, 7). God takes no pleasure in the punishment of sinners, and he always stands ready to forgive and receive the repentant sinner who returns to him.

In the way of the Lord, watch your step! (14:9). It is ironic but true that the very path that causes the righteous to stand will cause the wicked to stumble every time!

Application

It is one thing to forgive someone who has asked for your forgiveness. It is another thing to forgive someone who admits his guilt, but is unwilling to ask for your pardon. And it is something altogether Christlike to forgive someone who has offended you in the past—and continues to do so in proud defiance.

Perhaps the most striking thing about Hosea is his willingness to forgive the unworthy Gomer, even at great personal cost. In the same way, God offered forgiveness to the equally unworthy Israel a nation involved in the shameless worship of lifeless idols.

As far back as the ancient prophets and continuing right up to the present, God offers this invitation to sinful men and women: "I love you; I forgive you; I want you for my own!" But only those willing to repent and return discover the joy of entering into that love.

Israel's failure to heed the prophet's call resulted in the nation's destruction. Just as surely, those secret sins you may be harboring can only hurt you and keep you estranged from God. Open you Bible to 1 John 1:8-9; then bow you head and take John's advice. Rest assured that God can be depended upon to forgive your sins and to cleanse you from all wrong.

Prayer

Dear Father God, we know that you give us commands in order to make us prosper when we repent from our sins and sin no more you will forgive us and remember our sins no more. Thank you, Lord, that we may know that you reward obedience in a mighty way. We just need your help bringing more to honor your Word in order to receive this saving knowledge of your loving nature by sending us our Savior for whoever believe on Him will not perish but will receive everlasting life. In Jesus' name we pray! Amen!




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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