"Take words with you and return to the Lord”

Hosea 14


In Hosea 14 the prophet is calling Israel (the northern Kingdom) to repentance.  The nation has been led by a series of failed kings and has strayed far from God.


It is interesting to note that Hosea does not call for animal sacrifices in his warning, but instead says “Take words with you and return to the Lord”.  A cross reference in my bible for this verse is Psalm 51:16-17:  “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart O God, you will not despise.”


When we desire strong and lasting relationships the willingness to repent when we have wronged the other party is essential.  As I read Hosea 14 I thought about changing Israel in verse one to my name.  I then thought about substituting the United States and finally the Christian Church for Israel.  In all three instances there are certainly many opportunities to tell God “I’m sorry”.


It seems that repentance is a term that we don’t hear very often.  We like to talk about all of the benefits of being a Christian, but sincere confession and repentance often take a “back seat”.  If this concept is essential to healthy human relationships, how much more so in our relationship with our perfect, loving, and merciful God?


Hosea seems to sum things up in chapter 14 verse 9:  “Who is wise?  Let them realize these things  Who is discerning?  Let them understand .  The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous work in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”