On the Third Day

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Hosea 5–9; 2 Kings 16:10-18; 2 Chronicles 28:22-25

Abbreviated Reading: Hosea 5–9

“After two days will He revive us: in the third day He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight.” Hosea 6:2

Today’s devotion comes from my new book Jesus, Day by Day, to be released September 2019. Hope it encourages you as we see Jesus in the book of Hosea…

In Hosea chapter 6, we read God’s message to rebellious Israel. Since we know that the Old Testament sets the stage for the truth of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, we should not be surprised to find that God’s message through Hosea previews His message through His Son.

In response to God’s chastisement, Hosea’s humble prayer acknowledged God’s love and care, even in the midst of correction. Hosea’s prayer pictures God’s tender love, as his words foreshadow Jesus, who would take their chastisement upon Himself.

“Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for He hath torn, and He will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up. After two days will He revive us: in the third day He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight.” Hosea 6:1–2

Jesus was torn and stricken that we might be made whole (Isa. 53:5; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pt. 2:24). Yet God gloriously raised Him up on the third day.

Only through Jesus can those who are dead in sin be made alive (Eph. 2:1). Only by His grace can those burdened by sin be free from the chains of guilt (Rom. 8:1). Hosea reminded Israel that the Lord raises us up and the Lord makes us right in His sight and the Lord gives us life!

“…He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight. Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him…” Hosea 6:2–3

Press on to acknowledge your Lord today (Phil. 3:14). Sin brought you death, but praise be to Jesus Christ, who has raised you to life!

Keep reading: 2 Kings 15:30–31

by Sharon Kaselonis / All rights reserved ©