Hosea 14:8. “Ephraim shall say, ‘What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard Him and observed Him: I am like a green fir tree. From me thy fruit is found.’” A GREEN FIR TREE.
Can it be these are the same people who had wandered so far? Now they are growing again like a green fir. So far, they did go it was like they were dead – But love did its work and now they’re brought near.
There was dryness for years – no dew in the morning, No offerings to God – no voices lifted to praise – But now they are returning and there is the sound of singing In repentance and returning their voices they raise.
The lily has been missing for years it seems – The pureness and perfection, so long has been lost. But as a lily the wanderer returns to flowing streams And in its beauty, it blossoms even after all that is past.
The scent of the cedar is back again in the air – As the backsliding return to the Lord they had spurned. The fragrance of fellowship is a great joy we share With those who long gone, now finally have returned.
There the olive tree flourishes and new fruit is on its branches The oil of the Spirit once again begins to flow. The corn and the vine again provide their bounties And life revived in God’s people now begins to show.
Like Ephraim of old, the idols have left us – No satisfaction, no lasting joy to God or to men. The revived saints of God now rejoice at God’s blessings Like a fresh growing green fir, it is like life begins again.
“O God of recovery, the encouragement given by this last chapter, helps me to have hope for these small assemblies we have been ministering to for these last two months. If it please Thee, Father, to have them continue in testimony to Thee for time yet to come, please revive them and cause them again to look to Thee and to the reasons for which Thou hast called them. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”