Verse: “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. Hosea 14:4

Background: The northern kingdom of Israel sinned, and the Lord sent Hosea the prophet to correct, rebuke, exhort, and pass information of the coming judgment. Whole of the kingdom during the last phase of Hosea’s life in BC 722 went into captivity under the Assyrian empire. The future hope of Israel was also shared, chapter 14 is one of the greatest chapters in the Bible regarding restoration.

Invitation: Chapter 14, first 2 verses is a beautiful invitation from a loving Father – Return, Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall!  Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips. Hosea 14:1-2

Return, remember the impact of sins, and plead mercy to the Lord to forgive. As a result of genuine conversion, the Lord’s response

Greatest Promise

1. Heal: I will heal their waywardness, in one translation it says, I will treat and heal their backsliding. Our spiritual restoration and healing is the act of the Lord,
2. Love: love them freely, – There is nothing else in life than to be loved by the Lord Almighty. Oh Lord have mercy, please do love me freely, let not my rebellion 

Mercy: for my anger has turned away from them. – Lord is great in holiness, and the Lord’s judgment is the highest standard. Any sins that will be dwelled or forgiven will lead to wrath from the Lord unless we run to Jesus for mercy. How beautiful it is when we hear the Lord saying, “For my anger has turned away from them.”