The cry comes to her again and again, "Return, return; return, return," and though the lower voices of the neighborhood may call with a different tone, the Master sweetly tones His own voice, "Return, return." Let her not be hindered by the terror of past troubles she caused. The message He sends is not one of condemnation or threat, but simply this, "Return, return, return." From those evil ways she has most to fear, she is called upon to return, and she has heard that call and found salvation.
Fear not, for fear is weakening. "Fear not" is a plant which grows very plentifully in God's garden, and the Lord says to her as He said to the trembling saint of old, "Fear not: fear not." It will be disobedience, then, to be afraid. Why should she fear what neighbors may say or think? The fear of men bringeth a snare, but her trust must be in promised strength. He who says, "Fear not, thou worm Jacob; I will help thee, saith the Lord," speaks that same word to her. She is brought to desire reconciliation, and therefore there is no wrath in His heart; the only sorrow He feels is that she should have been in a state so mournful.
Her safe and peaceful return is an appointed thing. Everything in the future is appointed by God. How safe we are, then, when embarked in the good ship of Providence, with such a Captain who has forearranged and foreordained all things! Each place of difficulty and of danger shall still be secure to the faithful servants of the Lord. The voice of God bids her to return, now, and life is so uncertain that she cannot too soon be safe. Therefore she cannot too soon return from the evil of her ways and come back to her home, trusting her God.
We who have known the joy of reconciliation can speak from experience. He is the God of Peace and He has, on His part, prepared everything that is necessary for a perfect reconciliation. As we agree in prayer, we join our faith and look to the Lord Jesus Christ for all things. To us He is alive, our familiar Friend. The glance of faith overcomes Him. Together we will look to Him, and amidst all the fears that arise, this oracle shall come rolling sweetly into her soul: "Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded." As it were the company of two armies, we will unite in this supplication, and He will give the safe and peaceful return for which we cry.