Within the judgment prophecies of Hosea are clear lessons and pathways to show that whatever is broken, even if it is us, there is hope, anyone can be restored.
In God’s appointed time there will be restoration. Those who are His are never forgotten.
But what is the process for that restoration? What are the signs that God is working towards this season of restoration?
- It is to uncover the sin. God brought to the surface their wicked treatment of one another, 7 v 1-2)
- He breaks up the party, calling His people out from the world, to be different, 7v3.
- He exposes ambitious and competitive fire for what it is, v4-7.
- He brings self-awareness, v8-10.
- He becomes the sole Person we call out to, v 11-15
- We begin to understand His heart, v13.
“I long to redeem them …” (Hosea 7 v 13)
Posted on a lamp post was a lost dog sign. There was a big cash reward for whoever found the lost dog, and a description of the dog. It said: “He’s only got three legs, he’s blind in the left eye, he’s missing a right ear, his tail has been broken off, he was neutered accidentally by a fence, he’s almost deaf, and he answers by the name ‘Lucky.'”
That dog isn’t lucky, he’s a walking disaster dog, one thing after another, bumps and scrapes, accidents and attacks. The dog isn’t lucky but it is loved for there is an owner who wants him back.
You’ve been through some scrapes, battered, bruised, messed up a bit. You are a product of your past. Sinner and sinned against. But Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so!
He wants you back. He loves you and He loves to redeem.
There is no one too lost. There is no sin too wrong. There is no position too far away. Wherever a person finds themselves they can return home. Redemption awaits. Forgiveness is there. Healing is there. Amazing grace is there.
When you truly understand this then you are on the pathway to His restoration.
Missions Paul 