Today we take a look at some verses from Hosea and we can see the condition of God's people. They were not aware of how sin had done a number on them so great that they did not understand how deep they were in their sin.
5:4 "Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the LORD. 5 Israel's arrogance testifies against them; the Israelites, even Ephraim, stumble in their sin; Judah also stumbles with them. 6:6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. 7:13b I long to redeem them but they speak lies against me. 14 They do not cry out to me from their hearts but wail upon their beds. They gather together for grain and new wine but turn away from me. 8:5 Throw out your calf-idol, O Samaria! My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of purity?"
God's desire is always to deliver us and restore us because He knows the consequences of our rebellious mind. God really does desire mercy and truth in our lives. When we get sin out of the way He can change our hearts and minds to desire purity and holiness. We then stop chasing the wrong things and start pursuing Him. We are not capable of those things on our own. When we cry out from a pure heart He hears and restores everything the locusts have eaten during the years away from Him.
In Matthew we experience God's forgiveness. 21 "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." The king decided it was time to settle accounts. He had the ability to sell them or throw them into prison, but was merciful to the servant's cries and forgave the debt. The servant then turned around and had the man that owed him thrown into prison. 34In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
Sometimes we forgive in words but not from our heart. True forgiveness does not worry about the cost of the debt or the pain of the hurt we experienced. True love overcomes all pain. True forgiveness reunites us with those who truly love us. That is the Father's plan for loving relationships. God loves it when we do this at His prompting before the Master decides it's time to settle accounts.
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