Hosea 2:14-23  Even though Israel had gone far from the Lord and had broken His heart by her unfaithfulness, He did not and will not give up on her.  This portion of scripture describes the restoration of the unfaithful wife..  "Therefore, behold, I will allure her, bring her into the wilderness, and speak kindly to her."    He will speak into her heart!  God gives  her hope. 

He will bring  Israel back to the place of "her youth".. a place of joy.. "and she will sing there.. "  Israel will again turn back to the Lord.  "And it will come about in that day, declares the Lord, that you will call Me 'Ishi'  ( Husband) and will no longer call Me 'Baali'"  (Baal.. master).  He goes on to say that the Baals will be removed and never spoken of again. Everything will be changed!

"In that day I will also make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, the birds of the sky, and the creeping things of the ground. and I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land, and will make them lie dow in safety.  And I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in lovingkindness and in compassion. And I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord." ( v18-20) 

There will be a restored and greater relationship between God and His people. A marriage of love and truth. What grace!  " I will also have compassion on her who had not obtained compassion, and I will say to those who were not My people, 'You are My people!' And they will say, 'Thou art My God!' " (v23) 

Father, thank You for the hope that we have found in Jesus Christ who died for us.. so that we might have this greater and deeper love for You.. that we might know You.. experience Your Presence and compassion in our hearts.  What wonderful grace that You have poured out upon us that we might belong to You forever and ever. We are Your people.. Your children.. and we are so thankful. Be ever near to our hearts and continue to bless us, shine Your face upon us, be gracious to us, and give us peace. Keep us in Your Presence and help us to be all that You desire for us to be in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.