Today’s Theme for Prayer – God Gives Himself to Me
Hos 11:1-9
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, Sacrificing to the Baals and burning incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; but they did not know that I cared for them. I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like those who raise an infant to their cheeks; I bent down to feed them. He shall return to the land of Egypt, Assyria shall be his king, because they have refused to repent. The sword shall rage in his cities: it shall destroy his diviners, and devour them because of their schemings. My people have their mind set on apostasy; though they call on God in unison, he shall not raise them up. How could I give you up, Ephraim, or deliver you up, Israel? How could I treat you as Admah, or make you like Zeboiim? My heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred. I will not give vent to my blazing anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again; For I am God and not a man, the Holy One present among you; I will not come in wrath.
Grace Prayed For
The Grace of Recognition: Ask for the grace to recognize God’s hand in our lives, even when we are unaware of His presence. The passage highlights how Israel didn’t recognize God’s constant care and provision. We can pray for the grace to see God’s love at work in our lives, both in the grand gestures and the everyday moments.
God’s Unwavering Love for His Wayward Children
This passage in Hosea is a poignant picture of God’s relentless love for His people, even in the face of their persistent unfaithfulness. It’s a love story, a story of a parent’s heartbroken tenderness for a wayward child.
“When Israel was a child, I loved him…” These words echo with a father’s fond memory, a time of innocence and closeness. God remembers a time when His relationship with Israel was pure, untainted by idolatry and rebellion.
“The more I called them, the farther they went from me…” This is the heart of the struggle. God longs for His children, calls out to them, yet they turn away, chasing after empty idols. It’s a picture of our own human tendency to wander, to seek fulfillment in things that ultimately leave us empty.
“Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms…” God reminds His people of His constant care, His tender guidance. He has been there from the beginning, nurturing them, teaching them, holding them close.
“I drew them with human cords, with bands of love…” The imagery here is intimate and powerful. God’s love is not some abstract force, but a tangible, personal bond. He woos His people with gentleness, with the tender affection of a parent.
“How could I give you up, Ephraim? How could I deliver you up, Israel?…” God’s heart is torn. He cannot bear to abandon His children, even though they have broken His heart. His love is too strong, His compassion too deep.
“My heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred…” These words reveal the depth of God’s emotional connection to His people. He is not a distant, unfeeling deity, but a God who feels deeply, who suffers when His children suffer.
“I will not give vent to my blazing anger…” This is the ultimate expression of God’s grace. He chooses mercy over judgment, love over wrath. He will not destroy His people, even though they deserve it.
“For I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you…” This is the key to understanding God’s relentless love. He is not limited by human emotions or reactions. His love is boundless, His compassion unending.
This passage is a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering love for us, even when we are unfaithful. It’s a call to return to Him, to turn away from our idols and embrace His tender embrace. It’s a promise that no matter how far we have strayed, He is always waiting to welcome us home.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Experiencing God’s Unconditional Love: Hosea paints a vivid picture of God’s relentless love for His people, despite their repeated unfaithfulness. This mirrors Jesus’ own unconditional love for us, demonstrated through His sacrifice on the cross. Recognizing this depth of love can foster a sense of security and belonging in your relationship with Jesus, knowing that His love is not dependent on your performance or perfection.
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post