Take With You Words

I'm pondering the words of Hos 14.2 this morning: "Take with you words, and turn to the Lord, say unto him, 'Take away all iniquity and receive us graciously, so will we render the calves of our lips."

There is a lot here.

First, to turn back to the Lord (whether Israel or us) takes words of repentance.  A sacrifice without repentance is no repentance at all. 

Second, mercy awaits us when we turn to the Lord.  Israel had strayed far from the Lord, and yet Hosea gives firm promise that if she turns back to the Lord, he will receive them graciously.  He will receive us no less graciously when we repent.

Third, there is the assumption that the Lord can and will take away iniquity when Israel repents.  Again, he will do no less with us.