When we skip ahead to the final four chapters of Hosea, the theme shifts to God’s intense love for Israel…
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt. But the more I called to him, the farther he moved from me, offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols.
I myself 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.” Hosea 11: 1-4
Aren’t those verses beautiful? If you’re a parent, then you know what it’s like to love a stubborn child! Being a parent you know how difficult punishing bad behavior is. It’s because of that love God would make Israel face the consequences of their sinful, bad behavior. All throughout Israel’s sad history, God repeatedly offered to restore the nation if it would only turn back to Him. By stubbornly refusing God’s invitation, the northern kingdom had sealed its doom. Even so, Israel as a nation was not finished. A remnant of faithful Israelites would return to Jerusalem, where one day the Messiah would come, offering pardon and reconciliation to all who would faithfully follow Him.
I’m stopping here with Hosea because what I am reading in the Bible Commentary reminds me of something one of my friends on CWD (Christians with Disabilities) wrote, and I’ll post it for you in just a minute. The Bible Commentary on those verses says… God had consistently provided for His people, but they refused to see what He had done, and they showed no interest in thanking Him. Ungratefulness is a common human fault. For example, when was the last time you thanked your parents for caring for you? your pastor for the service he gives your church? your child’s teacher for the care taken with each day’s activities? your heavenly Father for His guidance? Many of the benefits and privileges we enjoy are the result of loving actions done long ago. Look for hidden acts of nurturing, and thank those who make the world better through their love.
Here is my friend’s post, I think it’ll be a good read… A Circle of Great Love
