OCTOBER 28, 2024
Topic: “GOD’S PARENTAL LOVE”
Text: Hosea 11:1-8
Memory Verse: “When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them the farther they went from me” – Hosea 11:1 & 2.
The language of love dominates this chapter, although it is not the imagery of marital love but rather that of parental love for a rebellious child. From the perspective of a parent, God has done all the right things, providing loving care and encouragement to His children. However, as every parent knows, children have a will of their own and are capable of rejecting the love of a parent. This is what Israel did when she chose to worship Baal, and forsake the Lord God, her true parent.
Some people describe the God of the Old Testament as harsh and condemning, this shows that they have not taken time to study the prophecies of Hosea who portrayed God as a very loving being, despite having been rejected over and over by Israel. He still makes room in His heart for her and opens His arms wide to rescue her. In vs 8 of this chapter, God said “how could I give you up, O Ephraim…my heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred”.
Hosea had hoped that Israel would turn to God in repentance and enjoy this unexplainable parental love shown by God. If they had, God would have willingly spared them, but since they did not, they had to suffer painfully, the consequences of their sinful decision.
Beloved, what else do you want? How else would God love you before you turn to Him in repentance? Do you not feel the prompting of His Spirit in your heart? Can you not hear His Spirit knocking at the door of your heart? Why not make haste now and open to let Him in? – Rev. 3:20. Surrender to Him and let His parental love envelop you.
PRAYER: Ask God to help you to respond appropriately to His love and enjoy the full benefits.