August 20
Hosea 14
After pronouncing judgment on Israel for sin, Hosea prophesies restoration and blessing.
INSIGHT
Hosea is instructed by the Lord to take a wife whose name is Gomer and who later becomes unfaithful to him. Though Hosea loves her steadfastly, her infidelity compounds and she finally leaves him. Sometime later—as Hosea is walking down the street—he sees his wife being sold as a slave on an auction block. In a profound gesture of unconditional love, Hosea redeems (buys back) his wife and restores her to her former position of honor and comfort as his wife. In doing so, Hosea sounds a warning to Israel and plays out a moving example of the unconditional love of God for His people. If they sin, He will judge them; but after judgment, He will restore them to His grace.
PRAYER
God loves His children unconditionally. Praise Him that He does not leave us to our own abilities in following Him:
He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen (Deuteronomy 10:21).
Pray this confession to the Lord:
I said, “Lord, be merciful to me;
Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You. . .”
O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up,
That I may repay them. . . .
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting!
Amen and Amen (Psalm 41:4, 10, 13).
As you confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, pray this affirmation to God:
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
-- Greater love for your family
-- The work of missions in North America
-- Whatever else is on your heart
Now offer this closing prayer to God:
To Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now has been made manifest . . . to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen (Romans 16:25-27).
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