Friday 7 Feb 2014

Friday Reading: Hosea 14:1-7

Key Verse: Hosea 14:3
Assyria shall not save us, we will not ride on horses, nor will we say anymore to the work of our hands, ‘You are our gods.’ For in You the fatherless finds mercy.

Devotion:
What is it God requires from us when we have walked away from Him? This we can find in many places in our bibles, but this prophet gives a direct message to Israel telling them what they had to do and reminding them about God’s love and mercy. This needs to be applied directly to anyone who has fallen short of loving and obeying God.

First the acknowledgement that it is because of our own weakness in giving in to sin and temptation that we find ourselves in this position. Admitting that we have a problem is a big step forward. Then we need to take God’s Word and obey it; do what it says! Lift up our own voices to God and admit our shortcoming openly knowing that He is merciful to receive us! Admit that we cannot do anything of our own selves because we are not gods and neither are our leaders; it is the Holy Trinity alone that we stand before.

And then Hosea bring us God’s promise in précis form. He is willing to forgive us of our iniquities when we bring them to Him. He will not be angry and blame us for everything because He will separate us from our guilt. He will feed us again, spoon feeding if required. He will lift us up spiritually and strengthen us for our walk once again. He will set us amongst people where we will have support. God will not turn anyone away who is willing to come openly in repentance.

Why then do we stay away? Why then do we think we have gone too far? Why do we say nobody can help us? Why? Because we forget these words! The evil one will do all he can to distract us from God’s Word. He will do things in our lives that pull in doubt. He will chisel away at our faith until he finds crack and weaknesses. We don’t have to wonder when he will do that because he does that all the time; but as long as we walk with God, come back to Him when we trip and trust in Him alone, we will not have any need to worry.

Points to Ponder:
How often do you trip up?

Do you come back and ask for help?