God speaking: ‘ I will make them healthy. I will help them not to relapse. I will love them freely.’
Who is them?
Relapse from what?
God is speaking to Israel through a prophet, Hosea, approximately 753 years before Jesus. Israel has been stubborn in their rejection of God’s mercy. Hosea tells them and us to talk to God, saying these words.
‘ Take away all sin and receive us with grace. Asshur (a god) will NOT save us, and we will not say that the work of our hands is our god and that the fatherless find mercy in it.’
Then God says: ‘ I will heal their backsliding… I will be like dew and make them grow like a lily. Their beauty like an olive tree with outspread branches.’
Who is wise?
Who understands this?
The ways of the LORD are right, and the just walk in them: but the disobedient will fall.
Hosea 14 : 1 – 9 ( This is a summary as Sandy has made it her own . I started by saying to myself verse 1: Oh, Sandy, return to the LORD your God for you have got mixed up in your thinking, making things your god.)
From left to right:
Rock stonecrop, Eucalyptus, hyacinth.
Reassuring in its detail.
Here are two quotes from Theodore L. Cuyler 1822 – 1909. He was a Presbyterian minister and writer.
‘ I never yet have heard of a good person having fallen when they were trying to do Christ’s will and trusting on Christ’s help. Every fall without exception came from venturing upon self support.’
And
‘ A sermon in shoes is often more eloquent than a sermon on paper.’
God bless you. Have a good time of day.
Sandy 🙂