Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. Hosea 14:9 NLT
Hosea was a prophet with a really tough calling. God asked him to marry a prostitute and to love her even when she returned to harlotry. Hosea’s marriage was to be a real life analogy demonstrating the amazing love of God for His people. The book is full of hope and encouragement, as it demonstrates the patience and mercy of God, but also gives us fair warning of pending destruction if we continue to turn to sin for satisfaction despite all God has done for us. The verse above is the final statement in Hosea’s prophecy and reminds us that we find life when we walk in the paths of the Lord. Let’s look at some of the other concluding statements Hosea shares at the end of his prophecy.
“I have been the Lord your God ever since I brought you out of Egypt. You must acknowledge no God but me, for there is no other savior. I took care of you in the wilderness, in that dry and thirsty land. But when you had eaten and were satisfied, you became proud and forgot me. So now I will attack you like a lion, like a leopard that lurks along the road. Like a bear whose cubs have been taken away, I will tear out your heart. I will devour you like a hungry lioness and mangle you like a wild animal. “You are about to be destroyed, O Israel— yes, by me, your only helper. Hosea 13:4-9 NLT
Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for your sins have brought you down. Bring your confessions, and return to the Lord. Say to him, “Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you our praises.” Hosea 14:1-2 NLT
The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever.” Hosea 14:4 NLT
“O Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me.” Hosea 14:8 NLT
We serve a God whose love knows no bounds! He reaches out to us again and again, giving us far more opportunities than we deserve. He alone is all we need. He is the one who answers our prayers and cares for us. Are you walking in His paths today, or have you forgotten how He satisfies?