AWAKE BIBLE IN A YEAR JULY 5
Read Hosea 6-9
Hosea writes about how Judah is ripe for harvest.
Hosea 6:11 as for you, Judah, a harvest is appointed. Whenever I would restore the fortunes of my people,
This type of ripeness is a figurative term for judgment. Judah and Israel have sinned and they will not escape the punishment. God‘s intention though is to remove the ungodliness and call his people back to himself.
The second phrase is a joyful statement of return. God when he brings judgment it is only to restore his people back to righteousness and to himself and so there is great joy in the reunion ahead. Hosea 7 starts off with God healing Israel as we read part of healing is guilt being uncovered and wickedness being exposed. It is so healthy to see the cause and effect like we read in Hosea 8:7 if you sow the wind you reap the whirlwind.
Ecclesiastes5:1 it says guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, but they do not know that they are doing evil. And God is going to make it known. Not to continually tell them that they are unloved and not his people rather to draw in his people and show his unconditional and steadfast love.
But at harvest time you know evil is evil and righteous is righteous. In Matthew 9:13 it says go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. I came not to call the righteous but sinners.
God is saying HE will heal the wayward. And he will do it. He will call sinners. And when he does it’s so good it’s like a dream because we are changed. We are restored! Today let’s pray Psalms 126.
Psalm 126
1When the LORD brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,
it was like a dream!
2We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the LORD has done for them.”
3Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
4Restore our fortunes, LORD,
as streams renew the desert.
5Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
6They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.
