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Ephraim, fruitful, increased in numbers while becoming a great nation. Gaining in every way, but in spiritual strength and truth. That which was most necessary was sadly neglected. Therefore, a strong east wind sent by the Lord would come against them and destroy their land. Assyria would conqueror them and carry away all their wealth. Their false worship would not sustain them in that day. They were to become desolate because of their rebellion against the Lord and His prophets. Difficult times were destined to come upon them. The enemy would not show them any mercy at all, but would treat them most cruelly. Hos. 13:15-16.
Ever merciful and willing to offer forgiveness to those who are estranged from Him, He called once again for them to repent and turn to Him. Where can be found a greater example of the willingness of the Lord to receive those who will repent of their sin and turn to Him. They had no one to blame but themselves for their stumbling and subsequent fall. We are prone to try to lay the blame for our spiritual condition on others but we rise or fall by our own choices. Hos. 14:1.
How to return to the Lord. Take words, words of repentance which express the true sorrow of the heart for sin committed. Hos. 14:2 Be even as the publican, confessed the sin which had been the pattern of his life and that he was most unworthy. With the offering of the feeling of his heart, expressed by his words, he was justified. Luke 18:13-14 The heart believes and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Rom. 10:10 The repentant soul is expected to make a complete turn and in doing so returns to the Lord. The words must be words of true admission of guilt, the seeker acknowledging their sin, iis seeking the mercy and grace of the Lord. Furthermore, having been received and pardoned they will offer the sacrifice of praise unto the Lord, with words of worship and admiration.
Neither salvation or the joy of deliverance may be found in Asshur. They are no longer to rely on the strength of the Assyrian war machine, the beast of battle, the horse. They will cease to confess the idols which they have made to be their gods, for only in the Lord is mercy to be found. Hos. 14:3.
Compassion and mercy heaped upon Israel. Their repentance has touched His heart. The Lord will cure their apostasy, their coldness, their backsliding. Oh, what extreme grace and love He is willing to bestow upon them. He will love them without reservation. Just as if they had never disobeyed or gone astray from Him. He would withhold His anger and completely alter His intended actions against them. Hos. 14:4 Once again, we are ,looking into the great, loving heart of the Lord. They had insulted Him in every way possible, yet in their repentance it would have all been totally forgiven. What amazing love.