What Real Repentance Sounds Like | Hosea 14:2-3

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Our text today is Hosea 14:2-3

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.
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.” — Hosea 14:2-3

Most people are sorry about consequences. Far fewer are sorry about sin. That is the difference between regret and repentance. God tells his people exactly what to bring when they return:

“Take with you words and return to the LORD.”

Notice what God doesn't ask for. He doesn't ask for excuses, explanations, or a defense. He asks for honesty and integrity of word and deed. That is where real repentance begins.

It begins when we finally confess, "I was wrong."

Repentance owns what we have done. That is exactly what Israel does here. They confess their sin. Then they identify their false saviors, mainly Assyria. They finally admit what Hosea has been exposing for fourteen chapters. They were trusting the wrong things.

And then they say something important that is also a component of repentance:

"We will say no more, 'Our God,' to the work of our hands."

That is repentance. Not merely confessing sin. Turning from the things you thought would save you. And that may be the harder part. Because many people are willing to admit failure. Even publicly confess it. Fewer are willing to admit their saviors failed them and that they need to fully trust God.

Real repentance happens when you stop trusting things (like success) to do what only God can do.

And notice, God tells them to "bring" or "take with you words."

In other words, bring an honest confession, prayer, and return. Which means you do not need to have everything figured out today. You simply need to stop pretending.

And maybe that is your next step. Stop pretending.  Not a dramatic change. Not a perfect plan. Just an honest conversation with God. The kind you've been avoiding for a long time.

Do you need to repent?

DO THIS:

Take ten minutes today and pray an honest prayer of confession. Name your sin, your false saviors, and your need for God specifically.

ASK THIS:

1. What excuse am I still using to avoid repentance?
2. What false savior have I been trusting lately?
3. What honest conversation with God have I been avoiding?

PRAY THIS:

Father, give me the courage to be completely honest with you. Help me stop making excuses, stop trusting false saviors, and return to you with a humble and repentant heart. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Returning"