Hosea 14:1-9

Hey New Life,

Happy December! Our Daily Bible Devo for today comes from Hosea 14:1-9. It is the last chapter of Hosea, and it is incredibly moving. Although God has laid out before Israel their sins in this book, He ends with a compassionate invitation to come back in faith and repentance.

God calls the nation to no longer hope in foreign nations (Assyria), their own strength (horses), or idolatry (v. 3). He promises healing, flourishing, and personal care (vv. 4-7). There is language here that reminds us of the Garden of Eden, being rooted in God as the evergreen cypress (v. 8), a symbol of life and strength. He ends with a call to discern, understand, and be wise, trusting in Him.

This is our invitation as well. We stand condemned in our sin and broken by our shame. But He invites us to return in faith and repentance. And if we trust in Christ alone as our Savior, we will be in paradise for eternity. There will be healing, flourishing, and care in the arms of our Good Shepherd. Christ took on the judgment and brokenness found in this book on the cross, to bring us into everlasting life.

Let's return to Him. Let's remember His finished work and experience His loving compassion during this season of Advent!

In Christ,

Pastor Tim