In this last chapter of Hosea, the Lord tells us He will bless us significantly if we return to Him and stay away from idols. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for your sins have brought you down. Bring your petitions, and return to the Lord. Say to him, “Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you the sacrifice of praise. Assyria cannot save us, nor can our strength in battle. Never again will we call the idols we have made ’our gods.’ No, in you alone do the orphans find mercy.”
The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your idolatry and faithlessness, and my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever! I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. It will blossom like the lily, it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon. Its branches will spread out like those of beautiful olive trees, as fragrant as the cedar forests of Lebanon. My people will return again to the safety of their land. They will flourish like grain and blossom like grapevines. They will be as fragrant as the wines of Lebanon.” (Wow! The Lord will do all of these things for us, if we simply ask the Lord for forgiveness and return to serving and worshiping Him!)
“O Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who looks after you and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green, giving my fruit to you all through the year.” (Yes, Lord!!!)
Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those who are discerning listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But sinners stumble and fall along the way. (Hosea 14)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for being so forgiving! Help us find our way back to you…placing you above all things in our lives. For if we do, you will surely bless us! And Lord, thank you for allowing us to complete another book of your amazing Word! You are awesome, Lord, and we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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