Hosea 14:2

New International Version

Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.

For Encouragement

I remember a young man we met somewhere in a far country. His story was heartbreaking. How a privileged person of his caliber would act to put himself in that despicable position is baffling – and he was intelligent, too.

He had a wealthy father and a good upbringing. Yet, none satisfied his craving for the glitter and promise of the far country he had read and heard about so much. Home became difficult to enjoy any longer. His future was in that country, so he kicked in his plan. He demanded his inheritance and left town. The basis of his demand was the love and compassion of his father, a love that never wavered, and he was right.

The money dried out in the far country, and tough times like he never knew hit him right in the face. The weather caused a shortage of food and devastation overwhelmed him, leading him to beg for pig food that was unavailable. It was crunch time, and the decision of his life now confronted him. What does the prodigal son do?

When he came to his senses, he took words and went to his father, who had been waiting for his return.

‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

His words were not just a plea for forgiveness, but a profound realization of his own wrongdoing. The appeal was based on the father’s compassion, which he had taken for granted earlier but now cherishes. And the father, without hesitation, forgave him, showing the depth of God’s mercy (Luke 15:11-24). 

Jesus told this story to depict the dilemma of sinful humans in the grip of a loving God who waits for their return into his saving arms. However, it equally represents the situation of Israel under God’s judgment in the prophecies of Hosea.

Israel had been so rebellious that their doom loomed over them. In chapter 14:1- 3, Hosea calls for final repentance and return to the Lord, who has promised to forgive them. He told them to take words with them and say to Him,

“Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips” (2).

Their words must include, among other things, repentance from their sinful alliances with foreign nations, depending on their military prowess, and their idolatry (3). God promises to heal their backsliding and restore their lost splendor (4). Isn’t God good? He is all the time.

Like the prodigal son, we too often place our trust in worldly things, even as we profess our faith in Christ. We are living in similar times, though under different circumstances. We trust more in our fraternities and associations, positions and power, and security in our wealth. But these are not where our faith should lie. We must return to God in repentance, asking for forgiveness and offering affirmation of renewed faith in Him. He will relent in Christ and heal us.

The Prodigal took words of repentance and received a hearty welcome back to fellowship with his father. Still, Israel remained recalcitrant, fell to Assyria, and never rose to statehood again.

So, I ask you, what is it going to be for you—like the prodigal son or unrepentant Israel?

Pray With Me

Father, give us the words to return to you in repentance, that you will restore us to good fellowship with you and one another. In the name of Jesus, amen!