8 March 2024

I will heal their disloyalty;
I will love them freely,
for my anger has turned from them.
I will be like the dew to Israel;
he shall blossom like the lily,
he shall strike root like the forests of Lebanon.
His shoots shall spread out;
his beauty shall be like the olive tree,
and his fragrance like that of Lebanon.

From Hosea 14:2-10, NRSV

After the stern rebuke to a sinful people in yesterday’s reading, today we have a reading which concludes with a very hopeful and promising passage of God’s love and forgiveness. The prophet Hosea had not overlooked the failure of Israel and made many strong criticisms of the injustice and meaningless rituals that he had observed. However, amongst the criticisms and warnings, Hosea also frequently spoke of the Lord’s hope that the people would turn back and be forgiven. Then they would be given an abundance of blessings that would far outweigh anything they deserved.

• • What does God want for the people of Israel?
  • What do you think God wants for you?

This Lenten season calls us to repentance – spend time today reflecting on what you seek God’s forgiveness for and how you can make repentance for this.