Hosea 3:5

Backsliding

"Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days." (Hosea chapter 3:5)

After a time of backsliding, the true believer will return to the Lord. Backsliding is not condoned, of course, but many times a "low" time will come to all of us, and we will find ourselves in precarious position, but, hopefully, we will turn around, and get back to fellowship with God. Hosea was exemplifying this with his life, and was clearly stating a message for Israel. 

Yes, we all seem to have our down times, when we are not what we should be, but the true Christian will get himself right with his God, and repent. This may be a sort of measure of true Christianity, not that a man stumbles, but that he gets back up and gets into the race again. 

Hosea's wife "played the harlot" and was unfaithful to him, as Israel was to the Lord. The entire ordeal was used for an illustration for the people to see what God thought of their actions. She was bought back for a bit of food, and loved by one whom she had hurt. We see a wonderful picture of man's redemption by Jesus, and our infidelity to Him hurt very deeply too, but, Praise God, He redeemed us back! What love! Only the grace of God could accomplish such a great thing as this. Each of us must examine ourselves, and determine where our loyalty lies. Are we faithful to the Lord? If we are struggling in this area, we need to confess it, and seek the Lords face, and "draw nigh" unto Him, and he will draw nigh unto us. If we continue in our present state, we are as the adulterous woman, and will reap only shame and reproach. Thank God that Christ awaits our return to Him, with open arms. He welcomes the Prodigal; won't you return to your Lord?

--Marty Dunn

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