The prophet Hosea delivered messages of truth and love—speaking verbatim the words of the Lord. In this chapter, we find God musing over his relationship with wayward Israel.
Hosea 11:1-11
““When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. But the more they were called, the more they went away from me. They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images. It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them. “Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent? A sword will flash in their cities; it will devour their false prophets and put an end to their plans. My people are determined to turn from me. Even though they call me God Most High, I will by no means exalt them. “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused. I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I devastate Ephraim again. For I am God, and not a man— the Holy One among you. I will not come against their cities. They will follow the Lord; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. They will come from Egypt, trembling like sparrows, from Assyria, fluttering like doves. I will settle them in their homes,” declares the Lord.”
Take notice of three things with me:
1. God gives a sad summary of Israel’s response to him—“the more they were called, the more they went away from me.” (Hosea 11:2) These words hold a divine grief. God feels for us as he observes our sin sickness. Even when we are under the love of God and even while he is calling to us—our flesh can lead us step by step, choice by choice, away from him.
Look at your past two weeks. Is your life’s momentum toward Jesus or away from Jesus? For whichever is true, pause right now and talk to the Lord about it.
2. Do you see the words I’ve bolded in the Scripture text? Look at all the actions God takes in loving and caring for his people. As you follow Jesus, God is not distant or remote. He is actively leading, providing, loving, calling, teaching, lifting, and bending toward us. God is so good to us. And though we might deserve anger and devastation, he who is rich in mercy gives compassion. (Hosea 11:8-9) (Ephesians 2:3-5)
The Lord is your daily shepherd.
The Lord is your patient father.
The Lord is your capable healer.
The Lord is your faithful provider.
The Lord lifts you up to himself again and again. (Hosea 11:4)
Pause right now and thank God for his daily leadership, love, and care. Be specific with your praise.
3. Near the end of this passage, Hosea announces hope that Israel will eventually follow the Lord—because God will roar like a lion. His roar is not a warning. His roar is not to scare them—it’s an invitation. Do you see it in the text? When he roars, his children will come. And when they return, he will settle them in their homes.
The Lion roars to us, calling us home, calling us to his side, where nothing can touch us. He calls us out of roaming and wandering, inviting us to be settled. God is so good to us.
Pause right now and talk to God about your desire to find rest, to know peace. Tell him how much you long to feel settled.
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