THE WAY OF RETURN

In the book of Hosea, the writer used metaphor to convey a serious message. The Lord God compared His relationship to Israel to a husband, whose wife has committed adultery and forsaken him. How did Israel sin against the Lord God? He said that Israel sinned against Him in the following ways. During the reign of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah and King Jeroboam of Israel, the people worshipped false gods. They lied, swore, and murdered. They committed lewd acts. Despite the Lord God pleading with them, Israel refused to repent. By the tone in the book of Hosea, the Lord God seemed very hurt and very angry by Israel’s sins and their refusal to repent.

Modern readers can learn several things from the book of Hosea.

  1. God has the right to address sin in the way that He chooses.

  2. God and sin cannot dwell together.

  3. When we sin, we put separation between God and us.

  4. Sin has awful consequences.

  5. The most awful consequence is the loss of God’s presence.

Thankfully, God does not want to be separated from us, and He teaches how we can remain close to Him. First, we have to admit to our wrongdoings. Secondly, we have to ask for forgiveness. Thirdly, we have to give up our sins and commit to righteousness. God does not require us to do this in our own strength. His Holy Spirit empowers us to return to Him in word and in deed.

Love,

CompassionateLee

Hosea 6:1 Come, let us return to Adonai; for he has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck, and he will bind our wounds. 2 After two days, he will revive us; on the third day, he will raise us up; and we will live in his presence. 3 Let us know, let us strive to know Adonai. That he will come is as certain as morning; he will come to us like the rain, like the spring rains that water the earth.