Transgressors Stumble In Them

What a simple truth from God, that the discerning learn the ways of God, walking in them because they are right, but the rebellious stumble in them. Why do so many choose their empty transgressions over reconciliation with their Creator made available as a free gift? Eternity is a long time to reflect on the most important decision you got so horribly wrong. And in this age, God has given us a complete instruction manual for life, so it’s no fault on God’s behalf that people have ignored all the information He has richly provided, with even His eternal power and divine nature exemplified through His creation. What a tragedy people are bringing upon themselves, and the time of judgement is almost at hand.

Hosea 14:9

[9] Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
    whoever is discerning, let him know them;
for the ways of the LORD are right,
    and the upright walk in them,
    but transgressors stumble in them. (ESV)

And as the time of the Millennial Kingdom grows closer following the impending judgement, there is this wonderful section where God restores and prospers the remnant of Israel. And God has proven many times over that He calls the future before it happens, and He will do it all as He has said as who can stay His hand?

Hosea 14:4–7

[4] I will heal their apostasy;
    I will love them freely,
    for my anger has turned from them.
[5] I will be like the dew to Israel;
    he shall blossom like the lily;
    he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon;
[6] his shoots shall spread out;
    his beauty shall be like the olive,
    and his fragrance like Lebanon.
[7] They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow;
    they shall flourish like the grain;
they shall blossom like the vine;
    their fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon. (ESV)

Hosea 14

A Plea to Return to the LORD

[1] Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God,
    for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
[2] Take with you words
    and return to the LORD;
say to him,
    “Take away all iniquity;
accept what is good,
    and we will pay with bulls
    the vows of our lips.
[3] Assyria shall not save us;
    we will not ride on horses;
and we will say no more, ‘Our God,’
    to the work of our hands.
In you the orphan finds mercy.”


[4] I will heal their apostasy;
    I will love them freely,
    for my anger has turned from them.
[5] I will be like the dew to Israel;
    he shall blossom like the lily;
    he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon;
[6] his shoots shall spread out;
    his beauty shall be like the olive,
    and his fragrance like Lebanon.
[7] They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow;
    they shall flourish like the grain;
they shall blossom like the vine;
    their fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.


[8] O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols?
    It is I who answer and look after you.
I am like an evergreen cypress;
    from me comes your fruit.


[9] Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
    whoever is discerning, let him know them;
for the ways of the LORD are right,
    and the upright walk in them,
    but transgressors stumble in them. (ESV)