the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 5 of 5
Hosea 14:1-9
A marvellous dialogue now takes place to conclude the long debate between the LORD and His people. The Spirit puts words of repentance into Israel’s mouth (vv. 2, 3). God, who waits to see the first steps on the road of return (cf. Luke 15:20), at once promises, "I will heal their backsliding" (v. 4). To backslide from the Lord is indeed the most serious of diseases; it affects the soul. "I will love them freely," adds the LORD. His affections will be able to find unhindered expression in the richest of blessings (vv. 5-7). And how will Ephraim answer? By repudiating all involvement with idols (v. 8). The love of his God will henceforth satisfy him. Is our relationship with the Lord Jesus on this footing?
"Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all."
If we abide in His love, He will take pleasure in making us fruitful (v. 8 end; John 15:8-10).
So ends this prophecy of Hosea, whose very name was a promise, since it means deliverance. If we have been able to recognise ourselves more than once in the features of Ephraim, let us take to ourselves the solemn warnings he receives. "Who is wise . . .?" It is the one who, in every age, understands the mind of God and walks in His ways (v. 9).
