Hosea 14

This chapter in the book of Hosea differs from the previous in that instead of being made up of reproofs for sin and threatenings of wrath, it consists of exhortations to repentance and promises of mercy.  All the fore chapters were to lead the sinner to these verses. In short they are a lesson in repentance.

In vs. 1-3, God's people are given specific instructions on how to repent.  They were to turn from their idolatry and pray to the Lord for His gracious reception and forgiveness.  This simple formula of repentance is still applicable today.  Seeking God's grace and forgiveness through repentance is the way to receive His Holy Spirit. This method will never grow outdated.  We are to "render the calves of our lips" or more commonly put "a sacrifice of praise" to The Lord to receive the amazing grace of God.

Vs. 4-8 gives us encouragements to repent based on the Lord's willingness to receive us and also on the benefits he has in store for us when we do.  There is healing and a refreshing that takes place as God's love is bestowed to us.  A revival will occur in us that will be beautiful and as sweet as the cedars and vineyards of Lebanon.  What an awesome prospect it is to know that if we make a mistake and fall down in our imperfect state, that we have a loving God that not only will accept our plea for forgiveness, but He will accept it out of His gracious love for us.  He will be there to heal us, to revive us, to restore us.  We don't have to return to the emptiness of idols (worldly substitutes).

Vs. 9 ends by focusing on the infinite wisdom of the Lord and how his ways are right and just.  We would be wise to walk in his ways.  It will lead to a blessed life with Him as our shepherd and benefactor.  The opposing way of life followed by the transgressor will only lead to an ultimate fall.

Men, let's always keep this simple lesson of repentance close to heart.  God has so much prepared for us when we come before Him seeking His grace.  He is not a taskmaster, but our Gracious Heavenly Father, ready to heal us, revive us, and restore us to where we need to be in living for him if we do stumble and fall.

It's great to be a part of a group of REAL men that love the Lord Jesus Christ!

Brother Dwight Chandler