Sooner or later, we get in over our heads. Where do we turn when we are in trouble? Do we look within? Or do we check our list of contacts to call in a favor from a friend?
Israel sat down and feasted at the banquet of consequences of their own sin. It was bitter food to swallow. So, they turned to the King of Assyria to find help. But he was no help. God offered them help if they would earnestly seek him. Did they? They said all the right things.
Hosea shows us the Israelites’ decision to return to the Lord. On the surface, it sounded really good. They acknowledged God’s judgment and resolved to return to experience revival and restoration. But were they sincere or did they presume on God’s mercy?
Truly God yearns to heal, bind up our wounds, revive us, and restore us so that we may live in his presence. But he sees through superficial repentance. “What can I do with you? Your love is like the morning mist.” Jesus quoted Hosea 6:6 in Matthew 9:13 as he dealt with the broken religious leaders of his day. Their words sounded like they loved God, but their hearts were far from him.
Repentance requires action. One of the French philosophers reportedly said, “God will forgive me. It is his job.” Forgiveness is not God’s job, but his delight, when we turn from our sin and return to him. When we change our actions, we confirm the sincerity of our words. God is our only hope. Let us show mercy to others and acknowledge God. No more going through the motions. Back to God. And not a moment too soon.
