I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction! Hosea 13:14 (KJV)
Today’s devotion highlights the grace that the Lord provides to a repented heart. Prophet Hosea, as instructed by the Lord, sends out a call to repentance to the nation of Israel. Israel had turned its back on the Lord and lived in sin. Yet once again, we see God’s intervention for Israel, His love for His people, and His desire to not see them destroyed. As soon as Israel returns to God, He ransoms and redeems them from certain destruction!
The Bible mentions that death is the consequence of our sin, but the gift of God, which is forgiveness of sin through our repentance, is eternal life (Romans 6: 23). Repentance is not a one time thing, when we sin, we must confess. Our Lord is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (1 John 1:9). Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 7:10 wrote ‘Godly sorrow produces repentance’ – a change in the mind and behavior. The moment we repent and turn to our Lord, we are under His care, protection, and grace.
We can hear the call to repentance today. Are we ready to answer His call and set things right with Him?. Our God is full of love, compassion, and forgiveness, He is slow to anger and abundant in mercy; He is waiting for us to return to him.
Repentance allows the Lord to become our Redeemer. Our redeemer has the power to intervene, meet our needs, lead and guide us to eternal life. Let’s return to the Lord, thank Him for paying the ransom, and live a redeemed.
