This chapter of Hosea gives us remarkable insight into the pain of God over having to discipline his children. He is grieved over their enmity toward him and equally grieved that he should have to deal with them with such a heavy hand. It is immensely comforting to see the tenderness of God in this chapter over such a rebellious people. Even after many generations of disregard for God we see that God was still pursuing his people and pleading with them to turn them around. In the previous chapter, God had announced judgement upon his obstinate people and now, here in chapter 11, he expresses his desire to forego such a harsh course of action. God yearns to forgive. His heart is filled with compassion for his people who are sabotaging themselves with such blind stubbornness. When I read this chapter, I know that God will never give up on me. If God showed such enduring love and compassion to these people who were so given over to idolatry and injustice, then surely there will always be mercy for me and you. As you read this chapter allow the words to take you deep into the heart of God and may the tenderness of his love expressed here echo in your heart and lead you into his embrace. Wherever you have been and whatever you have done, God still pursues you and he yearns to show you compassion and love.
Reflect on God’s love for you.
Read Hosea 11:1-11
