Hosea 11:1 (NIV) "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and
out of Egypt I called my son.
The older I get the more often I notice how God treats me as a child. As I age, one would think I would get wiser, but God still has much work to do in me. He has more discipline to teach and more lessons to impart. I can only imagine how many times God looks at this child of His and wonders, "Will she ever learn?"
But the more I called Israel,
the further they went from me. They sacrificed to the Baals and they
burned incense to images. (Hosea 11:2) Willful children always want to take matters into their own hands. As such a child, I to, will try to handle things on my own. For whatever reason I don't turn to God first. Pride? Not sure, but eventually, when I realize I am going my own way again, I repent and turn back to God for help and He is always there. He is always ready to accept me back, always willing to work with me and through me.
It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did
not realize it was I who healed them. (Hosea 11:3) When I wake up, I realize it was God who brought me this far, it was God who taught me about love and forgiveness. It was His Word that led me to this point in life.
I led them with cords of
human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and
bent down to feed them.(Hosea 11:4) When I stop to think about it I realize God has been so patient and understanding with me and my independent ways. It is then I know how much He loves, how much He cares for me and wants only the best for me.
This is the reason I can take a fresh look at my life the end of each December and resolve to do better in the New Year. God's faithful love, His enduring patience makes it reasonable for me to vow to do better next year.
Hosea 11:1-11
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