Return to the Lord

Written by Suzanne Benner

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The book of Hosea paints a contrasting picture of man’s unreliability, his tendency to be disloyal and untrue and God’s unfailing love and faithfulness.

Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, God was willing to receive those who were repentant:

•    I will show my love to the one I called “Not my loved one” (Hosea 2:23)
•    I will say to those called “Not my People,” “You are my people” (Hosea 2:23)
•    He has torn us to pieces but He will heal us (Hosea 6:1)
•    He has injured us but He will bind up our wounds (Hosea 6:1)
•    I will ransom them from the power of the grave (Hosea 13:14)
•    I will redeem them from death (Hosea 13:14)
•    I will heal their waywardness and love them freely (Hosea 14:4)

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Too often I have chosen my own way and allowed selfishness and pride to keep me from seeking God and doing what is right. Like the Israelites, I too have been unfaithful. Therefore, these words of promise stir a desire within me to race wholeheartedly toward the God who is faithful and loving, though I am not.

Let us listen as Hosea calls out to us: “Come, let us return to the LORD” (Hosea 6:1). God is waiting for us to return to Him. He is longing for us to repent of our sinful behavior and seek His righteousness.

Father God, You are the Faithful One. Forgive me for my wandering and for my rebellion against You. I want to seek You and have You heal my waywardness and love me freely. Amen.

Questions: How have you experienced God’s faithfulness? How does it encourage you to know that the invitation to return to the Lord is still offered to us?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

Tags: Chat, death, Devotional, God, grave, heal, Hosea, israelites, pride, selfishness, Suzanne Benner, unfailing love, unfaithfulness

2 Responses to “Return to the Lord”

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Alice says:

August 18, 2010 at 11:00 am

Has Suzanne Brenner written any books? I really getinspired when I read her thoughts for the day. THnak You God Bless
Nancy says:

August 18, 2010 at 5:25 am

How thankful I am that God’s Love is not prevented/limited by the willful ways against His love of His creation whom He loves …. no efforts, no skin-colour, no language … His Love is Toward All that He has made …. “He Included Me” …. He again awaits my response today, tomorrow, here, there ….. if I miss out on His Love, that’s just it – it is I who missed the point.