July 12 – Reading 193

july 12 – Reading 193

by John Christian Pra | July 12

“COMING BACK TO JESUS”
(Hosea 12:1-14:9)

“Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.” – Hosea 14:1

Are there any more comforting words to hear from God when you are ashamed, broken, and fearful than “come to me?” I believe this invitation is the greatest in all of Scripture. Return to me. Come to me. The One who has power to cast us out forever also has the ability to forgive us of all our wrongdoing. And in His love, He chooses to use that sovereign power for our good. To invite us back to His loving arms and be reminded of who we truly are. 

The insidious part of sin is that it ruins our identity. It causes us to forget who we are in Jesus and who we were created to be as His children. Most people struggle with returning to God because shame and condemnation block the way. But this doesn’t stop the invitation. 

The Israelites have been turning away from God time and time again. God describes them as “whores” and “adulterers”. Graphic language, but it’s right there in the Bible. They’ve turned to other gods, they said we want them more than we want you, they trusted in other nations instead of trusting in God.

And after all of that, God doesn’t say “I’ve had enough of you.” He says, “Return to me.” You have stumbled because of your sin, but now is the time to return to me and remember who you are. 

Jesus is calling you to return to Him today. Stop running. Stop pretending that those things are satisfying you. Stop making excuses because of your shame and brokenness. He is there waiting for you. 

Reflections:

• What blockages are keeping you from responding to this call to return to Jesus? 
• How does the love of God change your understanding of who you are?

Application: 

• Take time today to return to Jesus. Bring your sin, shame, brokenness, fears and anxieties to Him. Stop running, start returning. 
• Write out a prayer giving thanks to Jesus for His call to return to Him and His immense grace that covers our sin. 

Closing Prayer…
Father God, you are gracious beyond understanding and your love is never-failing. Today, I have heard your call to return to you. I recognize I have things in my heart and life that have been stumbling blocks. I confess my rebellion, turning towards other things for satisfaction, and I respond to your call to come back to my true home found in You. Give me grace today as I respond to your mercy. Clear my heart of all things that would keep me from drawing near to you. I love you Jesus. Amen.