Daily PresenceSample

In Hosea’s final chapter, the prophet implores the wayward to “Return,” which means the same asrepent,the penitent act that reverses course from the wrong direction to the right direction. In verse 9 at the end of the chapter, Hosea voices a final appeal for repentance: “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right.”

In a commentary on this passage, Cambridge theologian Derek Kidner explores the meaning ofwhoeverin this verse. The immediate reference, obviously, is the nation of Israel, which was presented here with the clear choice of understanding and discerning God’s way or not. In other words, repent, or else!

But Kidner suggests that the reference is not only to Israel. It has much to do with us! He explains it this way: “The ‘whoever’ of this verse suddenly exposes us to the same searching encounter [that it did to the Israelites], for the word of God goes on speaking; it never slips safely into the past.”

The word of God never slips safely into the past. Whoa!! We should memorize that quotation and commit it to heart. Kidner has expressed the character of God’s word, which is as infinite, as probing, as penetrating, and as timeless as God himself. In the manner that God through the prophet sought Israel in holiness and love, so he has sought men and women through the ages, including the present. And tragically, any who would turn away from God’s seeking, today as in Hosea’s generation, would be left, aa Kidner explains, “without excuse, self-condemned.”

So we thank God for the free choice that he gives us toreturnandrepentthrough his dependable word that “never slips safely into the past.” If his word did slip into the past, that would be dangerous for the present! Gratefully, we understand what the psalmist’s expressed about God’s word in Psalms 119:89: “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.”

Thank God that his word is settled in heaven. That’s our destiny!