Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but He will heal us; He has injured us but He will bind you our wounds. Hosea 6:1
In his reference to being “torn to pieces” and being “injured” the Prophet Hosea, is referring to the damage done to the Israelites in war. In His reference to “healing” and “binding” the people of Israel are looking forward to future victories and deliverance from their oppression. But God had something else in mind, earlier we read that the Lord was waiting, “until they admit their guilt.” (Hosea 5:15)
The Lenten Season is a time for us today to admit our guilt to God Almighty. Yes, God still waits patiently for us, but too many times we try to do it our own way.
As it was for the Israelites of old, so also it is for us. The only way is God’s way and the only way to true repentance is through faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Faith comes to us through the Holy Word of God.
There are many in the world around us that do not know God’s plan. We have been called to share the message of salvation through our faith in Christ Jesus. “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9) How many people do you know that are in need of God’s gracious forgiveness? Maybe a friend, co-worker, your hair dresser, or a neighbor.
By sharing your faith you are unlocking the truth of their salvation. What a wonderful message– the unending love of God for all His children and how He showed that love by sending His Son, Jesus Christ into the world to save us from our sins. Jesus accomplished this task by living a perfect life in our place. Then according to God’s will He gave His life for us as He was nailed to the cross, carrying with Him the sins of the world. Yes, your sins. Only those who believe this message of salvation will reap the benefit and have eternal life before the throne of God in the eternal day.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16