When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them. Hosea 11:1-4
Have you ever wonder why God wants to have a deep intimate relationship with you? Why does he want to revive and restore you? It’s because he loves you and me.
Please don’t misunderstand or misrepresent the heart of God, and his ways. Yes, the old testament shows God’s judgement, but it also shows jGod’s patience with his people. Punishment or better yet consequences came from God after many years of God pleading to His people to come back to him.
After taking his people through a time of discipline and correction, God urged them to return to him again in Hosea 14:1-4. According to Hosea 11:1-4, when did God love His children? Did God ever stop loving His children? No, he never stopped loving them and he doesn’t stop loving us. If you look at Hosea Chapter 11 and 14, you get the before, during, and after snapshots of how ad why God wants to restore and revive His people.
Since He loved them, this is what brought them back to him. Is your heart hungry for intimacy with God? God loves you! He wants more for you.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this lovely wonderful day that you have made. Thank you for loving us so deeply. I pray that we will study your word and understand what you are saying to each of us. I pray that we will desire to obey you and to submit to you and your ways.
In Jesus Name
Amen
