“Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.” ~ Hosea 6:1
REFERENCE:
In the previous chapters, God accused Israel (Ephraim) of the sin of idolatry and harlotry. He sent prophet after prophet to point out their sins, but Israel was hardened. God threatened to give them up to their idolatries until His judgment would come upon them. Matthew Henry said, “If sin is in the house, there is a need to fear ruin at the door.” Israel would pay for their idolatry.
At the close of chapter five, God said, “For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them and go away; I will take them away, and no one shall rescue.” God would bring destruction and invading armies to Israel and send them into exile. Lastly, God said he would leave the temple upon the threatened punishment.
Moreover, God said, “I will return again to My place till they acknowledge their offense. Then they will seek My face; in their affliction, they will earnestly seek Me” (5:15). Though abandoned by God, Israel found that He had returned to His temple where they could seek Him; hence, they decided to go to the Lord. It was the wisest thing they could do; they rode on His kindness and mercy – “For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.”
Israel acknowledged her sin and the justice of God in her punishment. She did not think that she was being victimized or unjustly treated by God. I have seen believers confronted with their wrongdoing. Instead of admitting and repenting, they bicker about how they were told, argue that other people did it, and accuse the rebuker of misdeeds. They go to great lengths to justify and excuse their sin when all they need to do is to return to the Lord.
Are you backslidden? Have you been disobedient to God? Have you stopped going to church because the Pastor or leader hurt you? Do you feel so dirty you think God cannot take you back? Are you dealing with guilt and self-condemnation? Do you think you are suffering the consequences of a past misdeed? Do not despair; the temple of God is amongst His people. You have access to the mercy seat in heaven’s holiest. So, return to the Lord.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Hebrews 4:16, Malachi 3:7, Psalm 130:4, and Isaiah 1:18-19
PRAYER:
+ Dear Father in heaven, I return to You today and cast every burden of sin and guilt that I carry upon Your shoulders. I ask You to forgive me and fill me with Your peace. Cleanse me with the blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As I return to You today, return to me.
