HOSEA 11:1-4 – 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.

THEME OF THE DAY. GOD’S PEOPLE and GOD’S HEART. Today’s scripture is sad and joyful. It looks at God’s people from His vantage point and is sad. It also looks at God’s heart toward His people and is joyful. Let’s look at these two experiences.

First, the attitude and conduct of God’s people. As we do, don’t point a “Pharisee finger” at them. Sadly, we too, exhibit the same attitude and conduct at times in our lives as God’s people. They were rebellious to His leading – “the more they were called, the more they went away.” How easy it is to know what God wants of us, commands of us, and yet, ignore or rebel against His counsel. For instance, when someone hurts us with words or actions, God says, “Forgive as I have forgiven You” (Ephesians 4:32). Are we quick to do so? Or do we delay out of pride? God is patient, as we see with His people in today’s scripture. He called, called, and called them but they refused, and actually went the other way. Be careful we don’t follow their same sinful pattern. Another thing about God’s people that is sad was they worshipped idols. Again, don’t quickly say, “Not me. I am no idolater.” Are we sure? Take the “idol test” . . . an idol is anyone or anything that occupies a place in our life and affections greater than God. A final sad thing we observe in God’s people is their forgetfulness of their loving God – “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.” Here is where backsliding begins – a forgetfulness of God and His daily, many blessings we receive. Cultivate a thankful heart and we won’t forget Him.

Now, the heart of God towards His people. This is joyful. Read what He has done for them; loved them, called them, sought them, taught them, took them under His care, guided them, showed kindness to them, carried their burdens, condescended to them, and fed them. What a glorious picture of God. And the God of Hosea is our God too and beyond. What has He done for us in Christ Jesus? Everything He did for His people of old and more. He has granted us forgiveness, adopted us into His forever family, made an everlasting covenant with us, and has promised a place at His table in heaven.

There is quite a contrast in today’s scripture between the heart of God’s people and His. And remember, the examples we find in the scriptures were written to encourage and warn us (Romans 15:4). May we take heed to the bad example found in today’s scripture and learn to live thankful, not forgetful, of how great our God is and how many are the manifestations of His love to us.

PRAYER: “Father, may I never lose sight of and give thanks for the daily blessings I enjoy from Your loving Hand.”

QUOTE: “The first step toward spiritual indifference is to forget all the Lord’s displays of love to His children”