Thursday, March 29 2012
Hosea 11
Verse of the Day: V1 "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt."
1. God’s Preservation (V1-2)
V1 “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.”
God has preserved the nation of Israel since the beginning when He commanded Abram to get out of his country and establish Israel because of His unconditional love for the people of Israel whom He had chosen as His nation and people. However time and again the nation of Israel sinned against God, and God allowed Egypt and many of the enemies of Israel to attack and humble them so that they would return to Him and trust in Him.
“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:” (Genesis 12:1)
2. God’s Presence (V3)
V3 “I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.”
Though the people of Israel time and again refused to believe and trust in God, yet God kept reminding them that He would always be with them, taking them by their arms, teaching them to walk, and healing them when they were sick and unwell. Indeed, God’s presence is always with His unfaithful people because of His great unconditional love.
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9)
3. God’s Providence (V4-12)
V4 “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.”
Even though the people of Israel time and again strayed from their God, yet God continued to extend His unconditional love toward them and provided them with food wherever they went. God never forces His people to trust and obey Him but by His bands of love or unconditional love He patiently draws them to return to Him and to trust and obey Him. Indeed, God never forsakes the righteous or His people including their children but He always provide all their needs because of His great unconditional love.
“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Psalms 37:25)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to love all unconditionally as You have loved me.
