Come, let us return to the
Lord.
He has torn us to pieces
but he will heal us;
he has injured us
but he will bind up our
wounds.
After two days he will revive
us;
on the third day he will restore
us,
that we may live in his
presence.
Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge
him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter
rains,
like the spring rains that water the
earth.
Footnote 6:1-3:
This is presumption, not genuine
repentance. The people did not understand the depth of their sins. They did
not turn from idols, regret their sins, or pledge to make changes. They thought
that God's wrath would last only a few days; little did they know that their
nation would soon be taken into exile. Israel was interested in God only for
the material benefits he provided; they did not value the eternal benefits that
come from worshiping him. Before judging Israel, however, consider your
attitude. What do you hope to gain from your religion? Do you "repent" easily,
without seriously considering what changes need to take place in your
life?
What can I do with you
Ephraim?
What can I do with you,
Judah?
Your love is like the morning
mist,
like the early dew that
disappears.
Footnote 6:4:
God answered his people, pointing out that
their profession of loyalty, like mist and dew, evaporated easily and had no
substance. Many find it easy and comfortable to maintain the appearance of
being committed without deep and sincere loyalty. If you profess loyalty to
God, back it up with your actions.
For I desire mercy, not
sacrifice,
and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt
offerings.
Footnote 6:6:
Religious rituals can help people
understand God and nourish their relationship with him. That is why God
instituted circumcision and the sacrificial system in the Old Testament and
baptism and the Lord's Supper in the New Testament. But a religious ritual is
helpful only if it is carried out with an attitude of love for and obedience to
God. If a person's heart is far from God, ritual will become empty mockery.
God didn't want the Israelites' rituals; he wanted their
hearts. Why do you worship? What is the motive behind your
"offerings" and "sacrifices?"
Keep reading -- 181 days left!
All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV
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