March 7 Day 2
Hosea 12:6
“So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.”
REFLECTION
There are four words to note in this verse. Three of these are: “return”, “hold”, and “wait”. The word metanoia which is typically translated into English as “repentance” reminds us to return…regretting our past sin and turning back to God. But we are not called to only turn back to God, but to then continuously seek a right relationship with God. To “hold” onto God’s promises. To “wait” on God’s will to be worked according to God’s timing.
The fourth word, “help”, reminds us that it is not in our broken sin nature to hold onto God nor to wait for his will. It is only when we give up faith in our own will and timing that God can help us commit to follow his Son in faith and hope. During Lent we set aside time and withdraw from our worldly distractions to focus on our need for metanoia: confessing our sin and professing out faith in salvation through Christ.
PRAYER: Lord, help us to look inward and see our sin honestly. Give us the wisdom to call our sin by that name…and then give us the courage to repent of our brokenness and commit to the new and abundant life you offer through Jesus. Fill us with your Spirit so we can call Jesus ‘Lord’ and then follow his teaching as true disciples. AMEN
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