Painful Parenting
Opening Prayer
Ask God’s forgiveness for the ways in which you have acted like a rebellious child toward him.
Read Hosea 11:1-11
[1] “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. [2] But the more they were called, the more they went away from me. They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images. [3] It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. [4] I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them. [5] “Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent? [6] A sword will flash in their cities; it will devour their false prophets and put an end to their plans. [7] My people are determined to turn from me. Even though they call me God Most High, I will by no means exalt them. [8] “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused. [9] I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I devastate Ephraim again. For I am God, and not a man- the Holy One among you. I will not come against their cities. [10] They will follow the LORD; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. [11] They will come from Egypt, trembling like sparrows, from Assyria, fluttering like doves. I will settle them in their homes,” declares the LORD. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What would God's father-feeling lead him to do for Israel?God speaks of a people “determined to turn from me” (7). His pursuit of them, however, is relentless. Though Israel continues to worship Baal idols, God leads them by “cords of human kindness” and “ties of love” (4). Today, too, we are always leaving him for lesser gods, but he is our loving parent. Hosea 11 is filled with father imagery. And in fact, throughout Scripture, God reveals himself as Father. Jesus instructed his followers to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matt. 6:9). God called Israel his child whom he loves, leads, and heals. As humans, we become hardened when rejected, but God’s compassion is aroused (8). This is supernatural love. And as Jesus showed Peter unconditional kindness after he denied Christ three times, so he does the same for us. Our hearts are drawn toward this safe love. God says a remnant will return to him, who will come “trembling like sparrows” (11). When we understand this perfect and holy love, we can’t help but run to it. As Paul says, “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance” (Rom. 2:4).
Apply
How has God shown his enduring Fatherly love for you, even when you gave him cause to be angry with you?
Closing prayer
When You call out for me, Lord of heaven and earth, I will come fluttering home to the nest. Receive me mercifully.
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