The final chapter of Hosea

The book of the prophet Hosea definitely qualifies as unpleasant Bible material! Using Hosea's promiscuous, adulterous wife as a metaphor, God, speaking through Hosea, spends thirteen chapters chastising his followers for their unfaithfulness.

But then we arrive at the final chapter. It's only nine verses, so read the whole thing. But I see verses 2, 4, and 9 (NLT) as the highlights.

Verse 2

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."

Verse 4

The LORD says,

“Then I will heal you of your faithlessness;

my love will know no bounds,

for my anger will be gone forever."

Verse 9

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.

These verses summarize so much about what faith, and prayer, are all about. Let us reflect upon Hosea chapter 14, and especially these three verses, today in our prayers.