The Story - Chapter 15 - Hosea 8, 9, 14

God is always calling to us to move toward Him.  He is constantly reminding us of His unconditional love and unending grace.  He is unrelenting in His pursuit of us, but too often we are blind to His advances.  We cry out for God to help us but they are only words.  We bargain when the chips are down, promising to lay all our cards on the table, and honestly repent; but once the dice roll our way we once again turn our backs.

Hosea 14:1-2 (NIV)
“Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.”

The Words of God spoken through the prophet Hosea were meant for the ears of the Israelite nation.  God pleaded with them to change their ways, for their own good; their physical well-being as also their Spiritual salvation.  But it all fell on deaf ears.

 

Hosea 14:9 (NIV)
“Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”

Lives were at stake for those hearing the LORD’s message.  Eternal life was at risk then and still is today.  God is only going to play our game for so long before He puts an end to our rebellion.  There will come a day when He will return in all His Glory to claim those faithful to Him and cast aside the others.

The Life Application Bible Study Bible says: Forgiveness is a key word: When God forgives us, He judges the sin but shows mercy to the sinner. We should never be afraid to come to God for a clean slate and a renewed life.

Read Hosea 8, 9, 14 here

Listen to Hosea 8, 9, 14 here