God's Love for Israel

In His on-going effort to warn God’s people of their coming doom (being conquered and taken into exile), Hosea reminds Israel of their experience with Egypt. They had been held captive before and cried out to God. When they did, God delivered them and prospered them. Yet, they had turned their backs on God. And now they would go back into exactly the kind of bondage that God had delivered them from. As you read, consider the way that the people of God so easily get caught back up in bondage to sin. Also consider how consistently merciful God has been to lead His people back to freedom.

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REFLECTION

GOD’S LOVE FOR ISRAEL

By Pastor Jeff Morlock 

Being a parent is hard. As our kids grow, the stakes get higher and the questions more persistent. “Is she safe? Will he succeed? Did I teach them enough?” No matter how well they’re raised, though, children can’t be forced to love God or make wise choices. In the 8th century BC, Israel was like a rebellious teenager. Infighting had split the kingdom. The monarchies were plagued by intrigue. False gods were invoked, and pagan rituals embraced. And the more the Lord called to them, the more they ran in the opposite direction. In which direction are you running these days? What does that look like?

Hosea reminds Israel of God’s parental love that delivered them from slavery; when the Angel of Death took the lives of Egypt’s firstborn sons, he passed over the homes of the Hebrews, whose doorposts were marked with the blood of a spotless lamb. Yet the children of Israel remained ungrateful. Their idolatry that began at Mount Sinai accelerated in Hosea’s time. Was it time for tough love? Would God allow them to experience the full consequences of their actions? 

Being a parent is hard. God can’t bear the thought of His children being destroyed like Admah and Zeboiim, cities that met their downfall along with Sodom and Gomorrah. Instead, Israel will experience exile in Assyria (a very long, extended “time out”), but a remnant will return. They won’t be obliterated. God judges sin and punishes wickedness, but His compassion is warm and tender. 

If that seems like a contradiction, consider that the word compassion in v. 8 means “to suffer with.” Both the judgment and mercy of God would find full expression in the suffering and crucifixion of Christ Jesus. He is the true and perfect Lamb of God who, in love, died the death we deserve. By His blood, we are forgiven and restored, so that we may more closely reflect the loving compassion and faithfulness of our Creator. 

In your relationship with God, how have you been like a rebellious teenager recently? In what way(s) might the Lord be calling you to reflect his love and compassion this week to someone who is undeserving?

PRAYER:

God, we confess that we are prone to wander; but we are also grateful for what your love has overcome in us through Christ. Grant us obedient hearts filled with compassion, and teach us to love sacrificially as you first loved us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER - FRIDAY

FAITH - Pray for faith instead of fear, that many would come to faith in Jesus and that we would all trust God more deeply during this time.

Once a Parent, Always a Parent

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