Week 43
Hosea 6:1-3 “Come, let us return to the Lord; for He has torn us, that He may heal us; He has struck us down, and He will bind us up…He will revive us…He will raise us up, that we may live before Him. Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; His going out is sure as the dawn; He will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.”
We all at times need renewal of soul and heart. It is the common lot of God’s children in this fallen world to find ourselves to be in spiritual soul decline. Our love grows cold, and our obedience wanes embarrassingly.
What must be done when the believer detects in himself or herself the drift of neglect and the shallowness of spiritual apathy? We must come home; we must be renewed in spirit.
The prophet spoke thus to the people of God concerning these things. Hosea said, “Come, let us return to the Lord.” This is the need of the hour. When the soul droops, we need to return to the Lord. When we have sinned grievously, let us return to the Lord. When our dreams burst and our hearts ache from heavy responsibility and despair, we must return to the Lord.
It is interesting to note that even the spiritual decline is, according to Hosea, to be understood in the context of divine sovereignty. The situations that bring us to such a sad state are still in His control; thus, Hoseas says, “He has torn us…He has struck us down.” These circumstances are in His hands, and perhaps the Lord is causing them that we might see our desperate need for the Lord and come home in repentance and love.
Dear Christian friend, this passage gives such a sweet promise to the people of God. Note that our text says, “That He may heal us…He will bind us up…He will revive us…He will raise us up that we may live before Him… His going out is sure as the dawn; He will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” The Lord has not determined to destroy us; He seeks to bring us back. Let us not give up or give in to depression; let us rejoice that the Lord is bringing us by the cords of His mercy back to Himself; by these very difficult circumstances that cause us so much trouble He is working in our lives. He will refresh us, He will restore our souls, and He will give spiritual rejuvenation to His people by His grace and for our good.
So, what must we do in view of such a glorious truth and promise? Our passage helps us with this, as well, for it says, “Come, let us return to the Lord… Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord.” This is similar to what Paul said about himself in Philippians 3:12-14. We must press on with vigor, strength, energy, and determination. Let us press on to know the Lord, to obey the Lord, and to trust in the Lord. May His promise and guidance speak deeply and effectually to our hearts this day.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I need to repent and come home. I know You love me, and I know that You will forgive me for drifting away. Please renew my soul and make my heart alive again with love for You. Amen.