The Loyal Love of the Lord #14

 

Hosea 14

Background: This last chapter of Hosea is a final plea to return to the Lord.  Hosea calls on his people to turn from their trust in idols and the Assyrians, and sincerely and humbly come back to God in full reliance. It is He who truly loves, heals, blesses, provides for and protects them; they need to trust in Him alone. 

Key Verse: 8 

O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols?
    It is I who answer and look after you.
I am like an evergreen cypress;
    from me comes your fruit.

Thoughts: God reminds them that He is the only God Who answers when they call.  Idols do not answer, do not protect, do not provide, and do not care about them.  Hosea concludes with one last plea:

9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;

    whoever is discerning, let him know them;

for the ways of the Lord are right,

    and the upright walk in them,

    but transgressors stumble in them.