CREDIT: rawpixel.com
Dear Children of God,
When I’m injured, I often believe, “Time heals all things.” Time and some Tylenol. Eventually, I’ve had enough. I go to the doctor. They diagnose my stupidity, “I can heal you but …” It’s that “but” that I hate. However, in the end, the doctor gives me the treatment – a procedure, therapy, hard work. It would’ve been easier if I would’ve just gone to get my “medicine” earlier, before time made it worse.
Hosea was God’s messenger to Israel – long after the glory days of King David – when God’s people felt pretty crummy. Why? Injuries caused by their sin. They thought “time” and their efforts would heal themselves. Bad choice! Hosea reveals they are “Torn … struck down.” (Hosea 6:1) They think bringing God offerings will get Him to heal them, to bind them up. But God can see through their attempts to buy His mercy saying, “I desire steadfast love not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6)
God tells Israel what they need to do to be healed through words from His mouth to His prophet’s ears. (Hosea 6:5) But Israel won’t hear it. They want their injuries to go away, but they aren’t willing to address the cause – their sin! They think the “Tylenol” of their sacrifices is enough. What they need is surgery … surgery they ignore hoping time and their own efforts will bring healing.
The pain our sin causes comes about because of our choices, not God’s. He clearly warns us of the consequences of sin. However, He also holds the cure out to us – faith in the healing power found in His Word, His mercy, His steadfast love for us. As the Spirit leads us to the knowledge of God’s love and mercy through the words of His mouth, God stands ready to heal us and bind us up. Let’s take His forgiveness! Then, healed by His Word, respond by steadfastly loving Him and our neighbors as He calls us to do. That’s how we return to the Lord.
In God’s Steadfast Love,
Pastor Jim