February 4

Morning

Then the LORD said to me, “Go show love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and offer raisin cakes to idols.” — Hos 3:1 BSB

Believer, look back over your life and think about how the Lord your God has led you through the wilderness. Consider how He has provided for your every need—feeding and clothing you each day, bearing with your sins and failures, and patiently enduring your complaints and longings for the comforts of your past. Remember how He brought water from the rock to refresh you, and sent manna from heaven to sustain you. Reflect on how His grace has been sufficient in all your troubles, how His blood has pardoned all your sins, and how His rod and staff have comforted you. As you look back on the Lord’s love, let faith look forward too. Christ’s covenant and blood aren’t just about the past. The One who has loved and forgiven you will never stop loving and forgiving you.

He is the Alpha, and He will be the Omega! He is the first, and He will be the last. So remember, when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you have nothing to fear because He is with you. When you face the cold waters of death, don’t be afraid, because death cannot separate you from His love. And when you step into eternity, you need not tremble. For, as Paul said, "I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, nor the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Now, dear soul, isn’t your love renewed? Doesn’t this make you want to love Jesus more? Let your heart be stirred as you meditate on the love of the Lord, and let your love for Him grow stronger!

Evening

so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. — Josh 20:3 BSB

In ancient Israel, the cities of refuge were placed so that anyone could reach one within half a day’s journey. In the same way, salvation in Christ is near to us. Jesus is a present Savior, and the way to Him is short. It’s simply a matter of letting go of our self-righteousness and taking hold of Jesus as our all in all.

The roads to the cities of refuge were carefully maintained—every river had a bridge, and every obstacle was cleared so that those fleeing for safety wouldn’t be hindered. The elders would inspect the roads yearly to ensure they were clear so that no one would be slowed down and caught by the avenger of blood. In the same way, God’s promises in the gospel remove all obstacles from our path to Christ.

Wherever there were crossroads or confusing paths, signposts would be placed with clear directions, "To the city of refuge!" This is a picture of the road to Christ. It’s not a winding road of law and works—it’s a straight path: "Believe and live!" It’s a road too difficult for the self-righteous to walk, but so simple that every sinner who knows they need a Savior can find their way to heaven.

As soon as the fugitive reached the city’s outer walls, he was safe. He didn’t need to go far within the city to be protected—the very entrance provided safety. Learn from this that even if you only "touch the hem of Christ’s garment," you will be made whole. If you have "faith the size of a mustard seed," you are secure. But don’t waste time! Don’t linger on the way, for the avenger of blood—death—is swift, and he may be right behind you even now!