Daily Scripture Reading: Hosea 14:2-4 KJV
Hosea 14:2-4 KJV
(2) Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.
(3) Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.
(4) I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.
Today’s Devotional Is GOD’S LOVE RESTORING
There are many reasons for backsliding. There are many reasons for backsliding. We pretend to have lived a more dedicated life than we actually did.
The fallen are hated by the world and there is no hope of complete restoration. The world is suspicious of people who have lost their high status: the prisoner, once a respected financier, the beautiful woman who has fallen under the harmful influence of drugs or alcohol; the minister or doctor who has been shamed and disgraced–all of these are difficult to reinstate. God is a God of infinite compassion and love who offers forgiveness and restoration to those who return to Him.
Our Lord dealt with Peter in this way. He was aware that despite his tragic fall, there was an undercurrent of devoted Love. He didn’t hesitate to give Peter the care of His sheep, lambs, and goats. A beautiful marble statue was discovered in a museum and it was broken down into many pieces. These fragments were meticulously collected and then, with endless patience, put together. The statue now stands as it was in its entirety and beauty, despite the seemingly impossible task. The Lord Jesus will take any broken life and transform it with His tender and skilled touch into something useful and beautiful for His service. This is the meaning and purpose of Redemption. Christ commands us to follow Him. No matter if we are able to walk or need to be carried, no matter how young or old, let us follow Christ, love Him and obey Him. He will return our mistakes and not mention them again.
PRAYER for Today
O Lord, we would be Thine; may we never lose sight of Thee. AMEN.