Scripture Reading(s)
Hosea 11:1-11
11:1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
11:2 The more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and offering incense to idols.
11:3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them.
11:4 I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.
11:5 They shall return to the land of Egypt, and Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me.
11:6 The sword rages in their cities, it consumes their oracle-priests, and devours because of their schemes.
11:7 My people are bent on turning away from me. To the Most High they call, but he does not raise them up at all.
11:8 How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender.
11:9 I will not execute my fierce anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and no mortal, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.
11:10 They shall go after the LORD, who roars like a lion; when he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west.
11:11 They shall come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria; and I will return them to their homes, says the LORD.
Reflections
Whenever we fall into sin, we always are up against facing judgement and consequences for our actions. It is by God’s Grace that we have the opportunity to confess and repent and in turn receive His forgiveness.
The nation of Israel was notorious for falling into sin and giving into the temptation to worship other things other than God. Their devotion and ultimate love for God becomes replaced by idols and worldly desires.
The beautiful part about this passage is that God does not want to destroy the nation. His love for them and towards us is what drives Him to act in Grace.
We experience God’s Grace in our lives every day. His love for us gives us the opportunity to choose to run away from sin and into the arms of the one who forgives and erases our sin.
Hosea and Gomer is the arch-type for God and Israel. Even with the nation of Israel rebelling against the Lord, God does not want to see harm befall His children. Even as they worship other Gods and “play the harlot,” God want’s to bring them back and mend the relationship.
How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. (Hosea 11:8)
If you ever doubted God’s love and patience, look no further than the story of Hosea. God has not abandoned you. He has not left you alone.
[Featured image from BestChristian.Design]
