Hosea chapter 6 verses 1-3 (NIV)
“Come, let us return to the LORD.
He has torn us to pieces
but he will heal us;
he has injured us
but he will bind up our wounds.
After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will restore us,
that we may live in his presence.
Let us acknowledge the LORD;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.”
Hosea chapter 3 verse 6 (NIV)
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
This is a lovely reminder that Jesus brought us healing and restoration after He rose from the dead in three days. In doing so He gave those who believed in Him the right to live in God’s presence. Hosea shows us that even then in his time, this was always God’s intention for all who would believe.
So then, we should follow Hosea’s exhortation to press on to follow God, and to live in a way that reflects His mercy and grace rather than going through the motions of worship and other Christian activities.
Dear Lord,
Help me to press on and in all things to follow You. Help me to be authentic in my worship and service so that Your presence may be seen in me. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.