Road Warriors: Hosea—A Message of Grace - Thursday
Ephesians 2:4-5
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) (NLT)
In the story of Hosea, chapter 11 is a “But God” moment. At Southland, we talk about those moments pretty often—the times when things seem to be leading toward calamity and chaos… and then, God intervenes. Whether the momentum is already full throttle headed toward disaster or just starting to shift that way, God seems to be acutely aware of the right time to change the course.
When I read about the Israelites and their consistent pattern of forgiveness, straying, rebellion, forgiveness… I find myself in disbelief of how quickly or blatantly the Israelites move away from God. I have similar reactions when I read about the disciples in the New Testament—the moments when they’ll see a miracle, and then seemingly the next day, they’ll be questioning Jesus or the mission He’s given them. It’s really easy for me to watch from a bird's eye view, via written testimony of these people’s mistakes and sin, and scoff at them: “How dare they forsake God like that! I would NEVER.” Then I close up my Bible in the morning, self-righteousness in tow, and if I’m lucky—very lucky some days—I make it out of my house before I start to stray.
Before the Holy Spirit arrived, no one had the personal connection to Jesus that we now have. Miracles and “But God” moments were FREQUENTLY needed because people basically had to pursue their faith with minimal feedback. And God, being good and generous, met His people where they were, even when they were very far away. Hosea 11 can be summarized this way: God loves His son (Israel), but the son rebels and eventually faces total failure. The son’s mistakes may be monumental, but God has the final word. “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you like Admah or demolish you like Zeboiim? My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows” (verse 8).
What an amazing reminder that we are made in God’s image, for He has emotion and compassion like ours, but on a scale we can’t even comprehend.
Thursday’s Reflection
God won’t give you up or let you go. Are there past relational hurts or disappointments that are preventing you from accepting that truth? Pray today for God to heal those wounds and help you accept His goodness.
