God’s Saving Word: Mercy and Forgiveness

Introduction

Hosea 11:1-11: God’s love for Israel is compared to a parent’s love for a child. A time of exile is predicted prior to the people being reconciled to God.

Scripture Reading

God’s Love for His Rebellious People

11 The Lord says,

“When Israel was a child, I loved him
    and called him out of Egypt as my son.
2 But the more I called to him,
    the more he turned away from me.
My people sacrificed to Baal;
    they burned incense to idols.
3 Yet I was the one who taught Israel to walk.
I took my people up in my arms,
    but they did not acknowledge that I took care of them.
4 I drew them to me with affection and love.
    I picked them up and held them to my cheek;
    I bent down to them and fed them.

5 “They refuse to return to me, and so they must return to Egypt, and Assyria will rule them. 6 War will sweep through their cities and break down the city gates. It will destroy my people because they do what they themselves think best. 7 They insist on turning away from me. They will cry out because of the yoke that is on them, but no one will lift it from them.[f]

8 “How can I give you up, Israel?
    How can I abandon you?
Could I ever destroy you as I did Admah,
    or treat you as I did Zeboiim?
My heart will not let me do it!
    My love for you is too strong.
9 I will not punish you in my anger;
    I will not destroy Israel again.
For I am God and not a mere human being.
    I, the Holy One, am with you.
I will not come to you in anger.

10 “My people will follow me when I roar like a lion at their enemies. They will hurry to me from the west. 11 They will come from Egypt, as swiftly as birds, and from Assyria, like doves. I will bring them to their homes again. I, the Lord, have spoken.”

Today’s Key Verse: Hosea 11:9b

“I am God and not a mere human being. I, the Holy One, am with you. I will not come to you in anger.”

Reflect

What verses in today’s reading speak of God’s compassion? In what ways does God express love for the people, even though they are rebellious? In what ways have you experienced God’s love?  In what ways do you share God’s love with others?

Pray

Loving God, like a parent you want the best for me. You love me even when I make mistakes and stray from your teachings. You are ready to welcome me when I turn to you. Help me as I mature in faith and grow in knowledge of you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Hosea 11:12—12:14: The prophet Hosea speaks the LORD’s words of further judgment.