Hosea 5:15-6:6 (NRSV)
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Verse 15I will return again to my place until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face. In their distress they will beg my favor:
Chapter 6"Come, let us return to the Lord; for it is he who has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck down, and he will bind us up. Verse 2After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. Verse 3Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his appearing is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth."
Verse 4What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes away early. Verse 5Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets, I have killed them by the words of my mouth, and my judgment goes forth as the light. Verse 6For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
Devotion
The Israelites get it: if they return to God, God will forgive them! This is part of what God promises to all of us. So why is it so hard? Why is it easier to turn away than to turn to God? Our human condition wants there to be some task, some deed, something we have to do to get on God’s good side. But God reminds us that steadfast love and knowledge of God are what God desires most from us. So, turn to your scriptures, love your neighbors, listen for God’s voice each day and healing and wholeness will come to you. Not in an instant, but over time. It can only be found when we are persistent in prayer and love.
Prayer
Gracious God, help us to keep steadfast in our love for you and others. Inspire our hearts to hear your Word and live it out in the world. Amen.