Wise Up!

Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. (New International Version 1984) - Hosea 14:9

When I read this verse, I wondered...What is it the wise man realizes? What is it that the discerning man understands?

I found the answer when I went back and read the verses leading up to our Verse of the Day.

Hosea 14:1-2

1 Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God.
Your sins have been your downfall!
2 Take words with you
and return to the Lord.
Say to him:
“Forgive all our sins
and receive us graciously,
that we may offer the fruit of our lips

Hosea 14:4

4 “I will heal their waywardness
and love them freely,
for my anger has turned away from them." (New International Version 1984)

What the wise man realizes and the discerning man understands is that repentance leads to forgiveness and blessings from God. And, yes, the rebellious stumble on this truth because they are unwilling to confess their sin and seek forgiveness, then they wonder why they are not experiencing the blessings of God.

It may surprise you to know that I'm not talking about unbelievers here, but those of us who are Christ followers. Those who have asked Him to be Lord of our lives, but still cling to some areas of rebellion - areas of our behavior, habits or thought lives that we know are not pleasing to God, but we are unwilling to let go of.

It's a simple equation...

Confession + Repentance = A life that God can bless

Refusal to Confess + Refusal to Repent = "Good luck, my friend!"

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)