Come Let Us Return To Our Merciful God

Daily Devotional – Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.
Hosea 6:1 (NKJV)

My mother was a strict disciplinarian. Every time she caned me, I would feel bitter and angry with her. Gradually, though, I would come to my senses and warm my way into her embrace.

Interestingly, she would reach out with love and tenderness and almost (I repeat, almost) apologize. We would then make peace and move on.

As I aged, I realized her strictness was an expression of love. She was not punishing but correcting me.

In Their Affliction They Will Earnestly Seek Me

That is why I can relate to Hosea’s message to the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. God had allowed heathen nations to attack and devastate Jacob’s descendants because of the latter’s rebellion.

The Lord had promised, “I will return again to My place, till they acknowledge their offense. Then they will seek My face. In their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.” (Hosea 5:15).

The prophet, therefore, made this earnest appeal to the people, “Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.” (Hosea 6:1).

Come, and let us Return to the Lord

What powerful imagery! The same God who has wounded us will heal us if we return to Him in repentance. He will not remain angry forever. God’s kindness shall never depart from us.

Like a strict but loving parent who wants the best for his children, God says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:19). Let us return to our forgiving God who loves us unconditionally.

Prayer
Loving Father, I am returning to You in repentance. Please forgive me and heal my wounds.