(Hosea 6:3)
I heard someone say that there is fifty days until Spring. This year (2016-17) has not been a severe winter, but we all look forward to Spring coming, when we can enjoy a time of refreshment and renewal.
When will the times of refreshing, and renewal come to the nation of Israel? They had been like an unfaithful wife, that was likened to Hosea's wife.* He married a woman who bore him three children and then deserted him, and became a prostitute. He finally had to buy her back out of the slave market (3:1-2)"
Israel had committed spiritual adultery, because they had turned to idols instead of staying true to God. The nation of Israel was taken into captivity by Assyria in 722 B.C. The Lord had to punish Israel, but He also promised that He would restore her.
The plea of the prophet Hosea is that the people strive, to get back to having a relationship with the Lord. In reaching out to Him, He would come to them as the Spring rains come to us, after a severe winter.
When we come to Jesus Christ we leave behind the winter of sin's enslavement. We leave behind the sorrow, fear, and guilt of sin. In our life [in Christ] we find much refreshment and renewal,
This new life we walk in, is nothing like the life we lived before.
We rejoice in this life of fellowship with our Savior and Shepherd Jesus Christ.
To those who don't know Him as such. Your Spring rain can be in the next decision you make.
Will you make Jesus Christ your Savior And Shepherd today? GP
*Warren Wiersbe - With The Word - A Devotional Commentary - p. 571
Photo - Origin Being Researched.