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Day 11 Hosea 11 Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. 2 As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. 3 I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them. 4 I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them. 5 He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return. 6 And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels. 7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the Most High, none at all would exalt him. 8 How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee, Israel? How shall I make thee as Admah? How shall I set thee as Zeboim? Mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together. 9 I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city. 10 They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west. 11 They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, says the LORD. 12 Ephraim compasses me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet rules with God, and is faithful with the saints. How much do you love your children? When forced to discipline them because of their bad behavior, does it hurt you more than it does them? Do you long to hold them and love them, instead of disciplining them? God loves his chosen people Israel. It was the first thing he told Hosea, before he told him of his discipline, in sending them into captivity to Assyria. God wanted his people to know he loved them, and he would bring them out of their captivity and bring them home. God loves you the same as he loves his chosen people, Israel. He longs to bring you home, not to your home here on earth, but your home in heaven, with him. As Christians, you know God fulfilled his promise in sending his Son, Jesus, to be your Savior. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for you and me – death on the cross for your salvation. His resurrection defeated death, hell, and the grave, so you have nothing more to fear, and can live in the hope of seeing Jesus when you pass from this life to eternity. God gave his chosen people hope that they too would return home to their houses and vineyards, and they would enjoy life again, as they renewed their love, acknowledging him as their King and God. Have you acknowledged Jesus as your Savior, your King, your God? Have you taken his hand and looked into his eyes of love, and said, Savior, lead me? Do you long for the day when you pass from this life into eternity, when you too will look on his face of love and hear him say, Well done, good and faithful servant? If you have a beating heart, God loves you. He cherishes you, and wants you to live in peace and safety. He wants to bring you home to him. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV) Let’s pray: Father, thank you for loving me. I know I don’t always show you my love, or appreciate the discipline you give me when I sin. Help me see your hand of love on my life, and walk with you every day. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 25 February 2018 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay