The Bible says, “there is much joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.” Repentance is valued in heaven. But what is repentance, when is it needed, and how do you do it, so it counts?
Hosea was a prophet sent to the House of Israel, God’s chosen people. They were often broken people, plagued with idolatry and a shaky history of wavering faith. Their divided loyalty to God was a tale retold throughout the Old Covenant.
Hosea nailed their need to change and offered them a step-by-step process for returning to the Lord.
Hosea 14:1 “Return…to the Lord…you have stumbled in iniquity.” (The priority is to turn away from sin and turn toward God. Sin always leads to stumbling, which leads to falling. It is a crooked path, fraught with peril.)
Hosea 14:2 “Take words with you…” (God tells Israel’s people he expects a discussion. They need to carefully choose their words. Relationships with Him develop through heart-to-heart dialogue. They need to be able to talk about what has come between them and why, take responsibility and, with humility, ask for help.)
Continuing in Verse 2, God tells them to say, “Take away our iniquity and receive us graciously,” (Humble yourself and ask for forgiveness. Be bold enough to ask to be heard and received. Put your trust firmly on His shoulders.)
Hosea 14:3 “Assyria will not save us. We will not ride on horses; Nor will we say again, Our God, to the work of our hands; For in Thee the orphan finds mercy.” (In other words, repent of your trust in other people, in your own strength, in idols. Acknowledge God as your Father and rest in His mercy.)
We can learn from this pattern for Israel. Repentance brings freedom. Joy in heaven and on earth!
Nan Robertson
~Christ Fellowship