Hosea 14:1 O Israel, return to the LORD your God; for you have fallen by your iniquity. The sight of fallen greatness is exceedingly affecting to the mind of a thoughtful man, and excites inquiries concerning the cause or causes of it. The prophet looked on the kingdom of Israel fallen from its past strength and honour, and declares the cause of the fall to be — iniquity. I. THE FALL BY SIN IS THE MOST GRIEVOUS IN HUMAN EXPERIENCE. 1. The fall by sin is from the highest relationships the soul can enjoy. No relationships, how distinguished and valued soever, can equal those of God, There are none so essential to the soul's good and safety. Without holiness no true relationship with Him can be sustained. 2. The fall by sin is from life's great purpose. Short as life is, it has a great mission to fulfil. Eternal life has to be secured. The world's truest good has to be promoted. Sin causes a lamentable failure. 3. The fall by sin is a loss of truest power. A right life wields a great influence. No power can be compared with that of a holy character. This power is lost by sin. 4. The fall by sin is from truest content of soul. The hallowed quiet and peace depart. Painful misgivings and pangs of remorse tear the breast. The consciousness of guilt prevents the light and joy of hope. II. THIS FALL IS THE INEVITABLE RESULT OF SIN. The course of sin is the act of man's free will. But if he choose the path he cannot escape the ruin. 1. The path of sin leads to ruin. (1) The pleasures of the way cannot avert the consequences. (2) The fall may be delayed, but it will come. 2. None can pursue the path of sin and escape the ruin. The individual cannot; the Church cannot; the nation cannot. III. FOR THIS FALL MAN HIMSELF IS RESPONSIBLE. He falls by his own iniquity, 1. None can compel another to sin. 2. As none can compel another to sin, so none can compel his fall.Apply — 1. Sin with such power and consequences should have our intensest hate, and should be guarded against. 2. He who is fallen should forsake his sin, and seek mercy and grace from God. God's mercy can cover the past, and His grace can sanctify and secure the future. (Rombeth.) Parallel Verses KJV: O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.WEB: Israel, return to Yahweh your God; for you have fallen because of your sin. |
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