God's relationship with us is pictured beautifully in His relationship with Israel. He poignantly depicts Israel a prostitute because of her unfaithfulness to Him...trying to find love, acceptance and met needs in other lovers. Their chase after other gods has lead to rejection, shame and even despair. He states that there is "no faithfulness, no kindness and no knowledge of God in the land." The God strongly declares, "You are a prostitute through and through, and you do not know the Lord." To make matters worse, Israel is arrogant about it. The chasm between Israel and God is so wide that when they come to go through the motions of worship, "they will not find the Lord." (the book of Hosea)
Oh Lord, in your mercy, let me not try to find my love, acceptance or met needs in anyone or anything else than you.
In the last chapter of Hosea, God lays out the road back. He calls Israel to confess and return. This is done by asking for forgiveness, asking Him to graciously receive them back and then returning to offering Him praises.
God's response...
"I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever."
"I will be like refreshing dew from heaven; you will bloom like a lily and send your roots deep like a cedar...you will flourish like grain...you will be fragrant as wine."
Oh the joy of restoration!
Thank you so much for sharing this! Ugh, I love God's word. His faithfulness is so rich. Full and total restoration. Amen.
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