Homilist Hosea 2:14-15 Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably to her.… These words refer to the restoration of Israel to friendship and fellowship with God. I. THE STAGES IN SOUL-RESTORATION ARE GRADUAL. 1. The first step to soul-restoration is from bondage to liberty. All souls are in moral Egypt, and the first step to their restoration is their exodus into the moral Arabia. 2. The next step is from despondency to hope. In spiritual restoration the soul passes from trouble into hope. Through much tribulation we enter into kingdoms. 3. The next step is from sterility to fruitfulness. The wilderness was a barren district, but Canaan was a land of vineyards. 4. The next step is from sadness to exultation. The song of the redeemed at last will be the song of Moses and the Lamb. II. THE AGENCY IN SOUL-RESTORATION IS DIVINE. No one but God can restore souls. Mark how He does it. 1. Morally. Not by force. 2. Lovingly. "Speak comfortably to her." 3. Generously. He who gave Canaan to the Jews gives heaven to restored souls. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.WEB: "Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. |
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