In this chapter, the Lord demonstrates His strong love and compassion for His people. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “When Israel was a child, I loved him as a son, and I called my son out of Egypt. But the more I called to him, the more he rebelled, offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols. It was I who taught Israel how to walk, leading him along by the hand. But he doesn’t know or even care that it was I who took care of him. I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him.” (This is our story. Many of us don’t even realize that it is God who is taking care of us!)
“But since my people refuse to return to me, they will go back to Egypt and will be forced to serve Assyria. War will swirl through their cities; their enemies will crash through their gates and destroy them, trapping them in their own evil plans. For my people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most high, but they don’t truly honor me.” (Wow! Our suffering is self-induced because we refuse to serve and honor the Lord.)
“Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you like Admah and Zeboiim? My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows. No, I will not punish you as much as my burning anger tells me to. I will not completely destroy Israel, for I am God and not a mere mortal, I am the Holy One living among you, and I will not come to destroy.” (Wow! How great is the love of our God?!?)
“For someday the people will follow the Lord. I will roar like a lion, and my people will return trembling from the west. Like a flock of birds, they will come from Egypt. Flying like doves, they will return from Assyria. And I will bring them home again,” says the Lord. (Yes!!!)
Charges against Israel and Judah
Israel surrounds me with lies and deceit, but judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One.” (Hosea 11)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for being a merciful and forgiving God! For, Lord, we do not deserve your goodness. Lord, we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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