“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the further they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and they burned incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up in my arms, but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with bands of human kindness, with cords of love. I treated them like those who lift infants to their cheeks; I bent down to them and fed them.”
Hosea 11:1-4
Throughout the Old Testament the Israelite community continually walks away from God and does the opposite of what He commands them to do. As I read these stories I find myself thinking: “What the world are you thinking Israelites? How stubborn can you be? Just repent and follow the Lord!”
Then I remember who I am.
Then the stories of the Israelites stubbornness become personal and more raw and real.
This passage from Hosea really speaks to me.
It speaks to me because I think about all that God has taught me over the years of my life and I think about all that he has taught me this week and even this day.
Where would I be if God hadn’t lifted me up to his cheek and fed me with His love and grace?
I shudder to think. I am so overwhelmed and humbled by this thought that the spirit has given me tonight. So I encourage you to think about all the Lord has done for you and continues to do for all of us.
Praise be to God! That even though He doesn’t need us, HE STILL WANTS US!
May the people that read and hear God’s word be blessed and live!