August 13, 2026 - Hosea 11-14

Here at the end of the book of Hosea, with so much sin and rebellion (over and over, Hosea names Israel’s transgressions against the Lord; they are so many!), it always amazes me how consistently the Lord reaches out to Israel and longs for her to return to him:  “. . . until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face, and in their distress earnestly seek me” (5:15) – “. . . when I restore the fortunes of my people” (6:11) – “. . . my compassion grows warm and tender” (8:8) – “. . . I will return them to their homes” (8:11) – “I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them” (14:4) –“I will be like the dew to Israel . . .” (14:5).

Israel must not presume upon God’s love and favor.  She must not think that she can utterly reject him with no terrible consequences.  But in the end, God’s love is greater than their transgressions!  And so it is with us!  That’s good news!

How oft, alas! this wretched heart

Has wandered from the Lord,

How oft my roving thoughts depart,

Forgetful of His word.

Yet sovereign mercy calls, “Return;”

Dear Lord, and may I come?

My vile ingratitude I mourn;

O take the wanderer home.

And canst Thou, wilt Thou yet forgive,

And bid my crimes remove?

And shall a pardoned rebel live

To speak Thy wondrous love?

Almighty grace, thy healing power,

How glorious, how Divine!

That can to bliss and life restore

So vile a heart as mine.  

Thy pardoning love, so free, so sweet,

Dear Saviour, I adore;

O keep me at Thy sacred feet

And let me rove no more.   --Anne Steele (1760)