As the rain and snow

“When evening had come, [Jesus] said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’  And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.  But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’  And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?'” Mark 4:35-41

Storms were common on the Sea of Galilee, but what confused the disciples was that their Leader would initiate boating across the water, then fall asleep and care nothing about their stress and danger. Little did they realize that He was not confused, but held all in His control. He foreknew and led them toward the storm to reveal Himself and develop their faith: His calm in the midst and supernatural ability to speak peace over it invited awed fear and trust. If He had control over wind and waves, He was able in every concern and life and place concurrently. What could He not do?

Political strife, a medical trauma, an impossible work assignment, a relationship obstacle, marital discord, lurking temptation, despair… Each is monumental to us, none too difficult for God. We are in confusion, turmoil, chaos, and He in perfect peace. In fact, He is the infinite, transcendent God of the impossible, the God of order, the God of truth, the God of peace. (Genesis 18:14; Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 32:17,27; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; 1 Corinthians 14:33)

Perceiving and feeling sin’s effects on our world can be humanly overwhelming, yet God knows and works through all with no confusion, no bias, no inequity. We may be burdened for a myriad of concerns. Many in our family, church, and nations of the world may be praying for miraculous healing, truth to be revealed, creativity and wisdom to be inspired, balm for broken hearts. We feel heart-wrenched, discombobulated, scattered by the weight of cares. But God is not. He sees every event, hears every cry, and is sufficient for every need. He’s able to do more than we know to ask, and calmly, precisely, responds to His own with personal, purposeful care and eternal intention. How amazing is He! (Ephesians 3:20)

Will we trust this Lord Who exists in time and above our time, Who understands our limits and is Himself without limit? What unrest whorls inside, relentless in its undoing? What hatred boils, temptation nags, rebellion simmers? What is my roiling sea of care? My scrabble of confusion? My current of fear? The Lord is nigh and speaks, ‘Peace, be still.’ He translates our cries into perfect prayer according to His will and accomplishes His plans His intended way so He is revered. (Psalm 18:30)

Lord, in every storm of thought or life, help me trust You to accomplish Your peace and good will, to Your glory.

“For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.  Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” Hebrews 13:11-15

“The reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.” Psalm 69:9

“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord… that I may gain Christ… that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” Philippians 3:8,10

“He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” Hebrews 11:26

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

“If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” Peter 4:14

The unblemished Lamb of God carried man’s sin and endured its punishment outside the camp, inviting us into a mysterious, eternal fellowship. Present reproach was all for future glory.

Let us go to Jesus. The call requires will, initiative, and action. Outside the camp. Away from worldly life, entanglements, occupations, removed to the place apart. And bear the reproach he endured. Take on Christ’s suffering by becoming like Him in every way: humble, righteous, fixed on things above rather than earthly things. This will invite criticism, ostracism, rejection, hatred. (Matthew 10:22; John 15:18; Philippians 2:5-8; Colossians 3:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:12)

It is not natural to gravitate outside the camp toward suffering, but for the Christian, the inclination is toward Jesus. The flesh wants nothing of pain, yet the soul longs for spiritual intimacy, which in heaven’s economy, will involve becoming like Him in every way, including crucifixion to self. When we live in the flesh by faith, we will share in His sufferings and reproach, and can find there outside the camp of the world’s comforts a fellowship like none other. Oneness with Christ nurtures hope of the eternal city to come. (Galatians 2:20)

How willing am I to go to Jesus – not just Jesus in heaven satisfied and glorified, but Jesus outside the camp, ridiculed and pierced? How familiar am I with an existence outside the camp – where things of this world fade away and motivations and perspective are hitched to the unseen and eternal? Do I prefer to blend into the crowd, or stand out boldly for righteousness and the truth of the gospel? For what witness to Jesus have I borne reproach? If not, how distinct am I among my work peers, my neighbors, unbelieving family and friends? What will I do to discover the mystery of sharing in Christ? (Isaiah 53:3-11)

Lord God, make me willing and thankful to share the space outside the camp of this world with you, to your glory. 

“I will stretch out my hand against Judah
    and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem;
I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal
    and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests,
those who bow down on the roofs
    to the host of the heavens,
those who bow down and swear to the Lord
    and yet swear by Milcom,
those who have turned back from following the Lord,
    who do not seek the Lord or inquire of him…

“At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps,
    and I will punish the men
who are complacent,
    those who say in their hearts,
‘The Lord will not do good,
    nor will he do ill…’

“The great day of the Lord is near,
    near and hastening fast;
the sound of the day of the Lord is bitter;
    the mighty man cries aloud there.
A day of wrath is that day,
    a day of distress and anguish,
a day of ruin and devastation,
    a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and thick darkness,
   a day of trumpet blast and battle cry
against the fortified cities
    and lofty battlements…

“Neither their silver nor their gold
    shall be able to deliver them
    on the day of the wrath of the Lord.
In the fire of his jealousy,
    all the earth shall be consumed;
for a full and sudden end
    he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth.”

“Woe to her who is rebellious and defiled,
    the oppressing city!
She listens to no voice;
    she accepts no correction.
She does not trust in the Lord;
    she does not draw near to her God.” Zephaniah 1:4-6,12,14-16,18; 3:1-2

“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16

The prophet has harsh words for those who do not care. Mixed worship, lazy obedience, and indifference to God’s good truth all indicate a low view of the Almighty and warped conviction of responsibility before Him. The Lord holds people accountable for their response to Him and His word, and His standard is holy. Act as though He does not notice or care about sin, esteem riches and manmade defenses for security, and neglect acknowledging or honoring His worth, and they would meet His jealous wrath to their regret.

Spiritual complacency leads to an unfulfilled, unfruitful life. A waffling spirit is no place for the Holy Spirit to energize and inspire. Are we pretending at faith, and finding no power?

Are we lazy in worship and honoring the sacraments? Where have we grown apathetic to God’s holiness and commands, treating Him as a chum who will unceasingly pour out grace? Where are we complacent in sin habits, immune to conviction, rebuffing correction, continually attempting weak justification for ungodly behavior? Do we read only parts of the Bible that bring comfort, but avoid passages that expose immorality and call us to account? The Lord sees and knows all, and will not be mocked. In what areas need we to turn back to the Lord- regular church attendance, study and application of His word as the primary source for life, a specific obedience? (Romans 6:1-2; Galatians 6:1-3,7-10)

Lord, may I fear and follow You alone.

“When Christ came into the world, he said,

‘Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
    but a body have you prepared for me;
in… offerings you have taken no pleasure.
Then I said, “Behold, I have come to do your will, O God,
    as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.”’

“When he said above, ‘You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings’, then he added, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will.’ He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

“And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” Hebrews 10:5-14

“Jesus said, ‘My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.'” “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” John 4:34; 17:4

Jesus came to earth with a mission to manifest God to the world and accomplish His will. Modeling how to live here on earth, He exposed to men the impossibility of their own righteousness. By perfect obedience to His Father, He fulfilled the law. He exemplified truth and selflessness during His public ministry, and both revealed and completed the sacrificial saving mercy of God on the cross. Teaching and guarding, loving and praying for God’s people in His name, dying, rising, and ascending, Jesus finished His assigned work with glory. (Matthew 5:17-20; John 17:6-8,12)

The finished work of Christ should inspire us to gratitude and motivate us to follow. Because of His obedience, we can be part of His pulsing kingdom life here below and make a difference through our own steadfast obedience. God’s children have purpose here on earth. He’s saved us, fashioned us, and numbered our days uniquely to fit in to His grand design and timely will. It is our responsibility to offer ourselves- gifts and resources- for the working of His intentions. (Esther 4:14; Ephesians 2:8-10)

Following suit with our Savior, is it our food, our deepest desire and satisfaction, to live for Him and do as He commands? How willing are we to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, our time and resources, for his sake? What are we doing to get to know His good, pleasing, and perfect will, and then what are we practically doing about it? Are we droopy, weak, and wobbly when it comes to obedience, or will we step up, surrender weariness to His power, and get in stride for whatever He assigns? (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 11:7-9,32-38; 12:1-3,12-13)

How is the Lord using us to build up His body, the church? How can we more purposefully obey specific commands to make an impact on His kingdom? In what hesitancy, timidity, doubt, or fear can we trust Him to work through us? (Hebrews 10:19-25; Philippians 2:13

Lord, help me obey as You did, to Your ends and glory.

“I will extol you, my God and King,
    and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you
    and praise your name forever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall commend your works to another,
    and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
    and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
    and I will declare your greatness.
They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
    and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and merciful,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all,
    and his mercy is over all that he has made.

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
    and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
    and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord is faithful in all his words
    and kind in all his works.
The Lord upholds all who are falling
    and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you…
You open your hand [in due season];
    you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways
    and kind in all his works.
The Lord is near to all who call on him… in truth.
He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
    he hears their cry and saves them.
The Lord preserves all who love him,
    but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
    and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.” Psalm 145

David’s every sense is piqued by the greatness of God. The meditations of his mind and messages of his mouth behold and speak of the might of his Lord. His majesty, wondrous works, abundant goodness, abounding love captivate and fill the psalmist who cannot help but sing.

Are we so mesmerized and moved to bold witness? The cheerful chirp of night crickets. The exquisite tension, harmony, and perfect resolution of a violin concerto. The captivating splendor of the northern lights. The bright surprise of scarlet when a cardinal wings into morning monochrome. The leap of the heart when a loved one comes running. Seeing the soul through someone’s eyes. God’s inexplicable balm in sorrow. The wash of freedom in forgiveness offered and received. The transformation of countenance and language the instant of salvation’s belief. The indescribable sweetness of Holy Spirit unity among friends. All these beauties, these marvelous works, are worthy of praise.

What works and ways of God move my spirit to awe and praise? Where has He recently intervened with mercy, loving authority, or provision? How do I actively bless His name? To whom will I make known His glories and power and exalt His worth? It is good and honorable to ponder and proclaim His goodness.

“Praise the Lord!
It is good to sing praises to our God;
    for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.” Psalm 147:1

Lord, keep filling my mind and heart that I bless Your name forever.

“I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.  For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.  By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” 2 Timothy 1:3b-14

Timothy is greatly loved and constantly prayed for by his spiritual father, Paul. He’s encouraged to put his growing faith to work, never ashamed of his testimony, weaknesses, or youth, but instead fanning into blazing flame the gifts God’s given him. His spiritual upbringing and examples served well to develop acute sensitivities, and the power and holy call of God would lead him confidently forward. (Romans 1:16; 1 Timothy 4:12)

The Lord and His word encourage us similarly. Saved from waste and condemnation, we are responsible to stoke the fires of faith lit by God’s Spirit. We may struggle with fear of proclaiming the gospel, or lack of confidence or doubt about our abilities, but when we turn our eyes from self to the mighty God, we catch a vision for His might, ability, and inspiration. He opens our eyes to see opportunities for bold witness. He gives insight to the ways we are gifted, the attributes He intends us to hone and use. He makes clear specific calling to work, service, and ministry, and every time we obey in faith we are strengthened to do it again.

Where are we uncertain, self-conscious, ashamed? Would we bring our reluctance to the Lord and His Spirit of power, love, and self-control? Will we reject apathy and boldly step up to exercise our holy calling, even if it means suffering?

What are we doing to fan into flame the gifts of God? With whom will we share today, verbally and practically, the beauty of His gospel?

Lord, may I never be ashamed, but flame with passion in bold living for Your truth and glory.

“The priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties,  but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people… According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.

“But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

“Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant…

“For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” Hebrews 9:6b-7,9-15,24-26

The comparison could not be more stark. The earthly place of holiness was set up with regulations for regular temporal sacrifice. Day by day, year by year, many lives were given for many sins with no end in sight. But when the infinite Christ appeared as High Priest, He once for all sacrificed Himself away from the temple, on a cross, to secure eternal purification and certain hope. His once-for-all made way for our all in all, unshakable inheritance and joy.

How vastly different is our everlasting God from us! How distinct His high ways from our finite thinking, His perfection from our selfish impulses! We see limited and dimly, He sees everything and clearly. His work on the cross, in divine and supernatural power, obliterated the human way of atonement to free us forever. Where we continue to struggle with pesky consequences, niggling shame, and unfinished suffering, we find it hard to reckon the Lord’s balm. (Isaiah 55:8-9; John 19:30; 1 Corinthians 13:12)

Our Savior’s ‘It is finished!’ is potent when we apply its effectual truth. Are we stuck in a pattern of worry, impatience, jealousy, or idolatry? Are we in a relentless cycle of sin, guilt, confession, shame, repeat? When will we take Christ’s once and forever death to heart, surrender to crucifixion with Him, and determine to live in everlasting freedom? What He finished we need not continue. (Romans 6:1-7,10-14; Galatians 2:20)

Lord, help me understand and apply Your forever forgiveness, and live to reflect Your glorious redemption.

“In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah.., I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. I will enter into judgment with them, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and divided up my land, and have cast lots for my people…

“Proclaim this among the nations:
Consecrate for war;
    stir up the mighty men.
Let all the men of war draw near;
    let them come up.
Beat your plowshares into swords,
    your pruning hooks into spears;
    let the weak say, ‘I am a warrior.’

“Hasten and come,
    all surrounding nations,
    and gather yourselves there.
Bring down your warriors, O Lord.
Let the nations stir themselves up
    and come up;..
for there I will judge
    all the surrounding nations.

“Put in the sickle,
    for the harvest is ripe.
Go in, tread,
    for the winepress is full.
The vats overflow,
    for their evil is great.

“Multitudes, multitudes,
    in the valley of decision!
The day of the Lord is near…
The sun and the moon are darkened,
    and the stars withdraw their shining.

“The Lord roars from Zion,
    and utters his voice from Jerusalem,
    and the heavens and the earth quake.
But the Lord is a refuge to his people,
    a stronghold to the people of Israel.

“’So you shall know that I am the Lord your God,
    who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain.
And Jerusalem shall be holy,
    and strangers shall never again pass through it.

“’And in that day
the mountains shall drip sweet wine,
    and the hills shall flow with milk,
and all the streambeds of Judah
    shall flow with water;
and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the Lord
    and water the Valley…

“’Egypt shall become a desolation
    and Edom a desolate wilderness,
for the violence done to the people of Judah,
    because they have shed innocent blood.
But Judah shall be inhabited forever,
    and Jerusalem to all generations.’” Joel 3:1-3,9-20

“Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah… has conquered.” Revelation 5:5

Joel closes his prophetic message with a revelation of the final war on God’s enemies and triumph for the faithful in Zion. He had called all to repent and foretold restoration and pouring out of God’s Spirit, and ends with the regal Lion of Judah roaring and reigning over His fruitful people. In Him alone was Israel’s refuge and hope.

Present culture resounds with a cacophony of unsettling noise. In the clamor of disharmony, injustice, and frenzied tensions, it is hard at times to hear the roar of God. Louder noise alarms, captivates, or threatens, and blocks both ear and mind to the presence of the Almighty who rules over all.

We can get so caught up in the cruel mess of life that we fail to sense the Lion of Judah on alert, strong with power, in control. His word rules both these days and that day. A final war will occur, the Lord will judge, and the Lion will roar His victory song.

Over what cruelties and injustices do I rue? What troubles tax? Can I see my strain, or another’s pain, at the place of ultimate reckoning and hope? What blessings do I find in my Refuge and Stronghold Jesus? (Psalm 144:1-2)

Lord, may I daily take hope and assurance in Your promises.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

to him who alone does great wonders,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who by understanding made the heavens,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who made the great lights,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
the sun to rule over the day,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
the moon and stars to rule over the night,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1-9

“The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;
    by understanding he established the heavens.” Proverbs 4:19

“It is he who made the earth by his power,
    who established the world by his wisdom,
    and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.” Jeremiah 10:12; 51:15

The psalmist’s heart is overflowing with gratitude to the Lord for His magnificent creation and activity through history. He sees them as an ongoing act of steadfast love, the essence of God and the impulse, motivation, and signature of everything He has made. The more he observes, the brighter God’s benevolent care shines and the deeper his praise in response. (1 John 4:8)

The triune God is as orderly and powerful and purposeful as He is creative. From chaos to exquisite universe, His steadfast love for His people pulses. Designing and crafting man for meaningful industry and relationships, He prepared his world in minute, colorful, and systematic detail, and continues to interact with it through hours and seasons to bring about His divine plans. Fully knowing our low and helpless estate, He perfectly executed our deliverance. The rightful response of His creatures, who are loved beyond measure, is to give Him unceasing thanks! (Genesis 1:1-28,31; Psalm 136:10-26; Proverbs 8:27-31)

Would that we regularly take time to marvel at God’s creation! He has made all things well and beautiful for our delight. His world is designed to teach us about Him, and life, and to satisfy physical need. (Psalm 104:14-15; Proverbs 6:6-8; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Amos 4:7-9; Matthew 6:25-34)

What have we observed recently that heightened our wonder at the Creator? What common sense have we gleaned and employed? What in God’s world delights our souls unto praise?

“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation!
Come, all who hear; now to his temple draw near,
join me in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord, above all things so wondrously reigning;
sheltering you under his wings, and so gently sustaining!
Have you not seen all that is needful has been
sent by his gracious ordaining?

Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you;
surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
if with his love he befriends you.

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!
All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him.
Let the Amen sound from his people again;
gladly forever adore him.” ~Joachim Neander (1680)

Creator, may I ever adore You!

“Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God,
    for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
Take with you words
    and return to the Lord;
say to him,
    ‘Take away all iniquity;
accept what is good,
    and we will pay with bulls
    the vows of our lips.
Assyria shall not save us;
    we will not ride on horses;
and we will say no more, ‘Our God,’
    to the work of our hands.
In you the orphan finds mercy.’

“I will heal their apostasy;
    I will love them freely,
    for my anger has turned from them.
I will be like the dew to Israel;
    he shall blossom like the lily;
    he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon;
his shoots shall spread out;
    his beauty shall be like the olive,
    and his fragrance like Lebanon.
They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow;
    they shall flourish like the grain;
they shall blossom like the vine;
    their fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.

“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.

“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.” Hosea 14:1-9

The prophet closes his book with a final plea to God’s beloved people. The punchline was that they’d been horrific and God was holy, yet He would not stop pursuing them. Hosea had exemplified the Lord’s unrelenting love for His wayward Israel, and spelled out how His gracious mercy persisted in calling them back to Himself. Genuine penitence and petition would be met with promises they could trust.

Any stumbling requires Penitence to restore a right relationship with the Lord. He calls us to name our sin, acknowledge its folly and hurtful consequences to others, and intentionally turn from it in particular repentance. There is much wisdom in paying attention to our attitudes and behaviors that need to be made pure. (2 Samuel 12:13)

The words we’re commanded to bring Him should include Petition for His cleansing mercy, for protection from the devil’s wiles and strength not to sin again. When we ponder His past graces, we can make clear declaration of need that we believe He will profoundly meet.

The Lord replies with Promises we can believe and count on. God’s power is poured forth as His Spirit directs and meets us in prayer, and supplies truths on which we can stake our unknowns.

When we stray from the Lord or His pattern for living, do we panic in fear we’ll be found out, or approach Him humbly on the basis of His passionate love for us? Have we grown apathetic, unwilling to consider the possibility of a changed outlook or way forward? What in our thinking, our hearts, our habits, needs to be punctuated by God’s power? Where is He calling us to genuine penitence, or to more explicit and persistent petition? What particular promises will we claim for ourselves as we progress on our spiritual journey?

Lord, may I daily return to You for purity and passion to flourish for Your glory.