Friday, March 2, 2012
Hosea 14:2 Take words with you, And return to the LORD. Say to Him, "Take away all iniquity; Receive us graciously, For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips."
CROSS AND CATECHISM: THE LORD'S PRAYER
Mere "lip service" is something I think probably drives most people crazy. Here are some examples that come to mind. When I was younger, I remember countless times I heard my Mom or Dad say, "Clean up your room ... Be home by dark ... Don't use such language ... Think before you act ... Put the best construction on everything ..." My response so often was "OK, sure thing, no problem, alright ..." It was mere lip service and a "flapping of the gums" so to speak because I didn't actually listen or follow through with what was asked or expected of me. If you are an employee or employer, where does lip service get you? "Sure, I'll take care of that" means nothing if it isn't followed up with action.
But what was Hosea talking about in the above verse? Hosea came from a rural upbringing before the Lord had called him to preach repentance and remission (forgiveness) of sins to God's people. Here in the verse from Hosea we are reminded, I might add, pretty specifically with what words we can return to the LORD. The "iniquity," or guilt, is something I recall in connection with all those times I disobeyed my earthly parents, let alone my Father in heaven. I "return" to the LORD my God to beg for forgiveness, for Him to "take away all my iniquity." I return to the LORD to plead with Him to receive me just as I am, a sinner, needing His mercy and forgiveness always! I return to my Savior, Jesus Christ, to "offer the sacrifices of my lips," that is, to take my voice and my lips in order to offer up to Him my humble yet joyful praise! I return to my Savior's house and to quiet places to offer up the sacrifices of my heart in prayers to my Father in heaven.
Unlike my own hearing in my youthful days, my LORD always hears my prayers and praises. He is happy and well pleased, just like my parents were, when I actually listen to Him and go to Him with all my troubles. Jesus taught His disciples how to pray when He taught them the Lord's Prayer! That night He taught them those words, He not only taught them what was most important to pray for, but that all the prayers seeking forgiveness had been heard by God --- and that Jesus was on His way to the cross to take away the world's sin. What words will I take with me as I go to God’s house? I pray to take all the words Jesus has taught me -- and to use my lips to serve my Savior with praise!
