THE STORY OF JESUS: Hosea 11-14
“My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.” (Hosea 11:8)
Hosea is calling the people to rethink their lives, to change their hearts.
He reminds them how God changes His heart, from judgment to mercy.
What drives God is love for His children; will His children change for love?
Hosea makes it clear that He has very good reason to let go of His children.
But God’s Father heart hangs on, despite their terrible behaviour.
Some have called this the ‘reckless’ love of God.
Its seems wrong to say God is reckless, but His love for us sure looks like it.
This reveals the tension we find in genuine parental love.
Even parents of terrible people still love the child they gave birth to.
They hate, hate, hate their ways, and desperately wish for them to change.
This is God to us, and Jesus’ coming shows us how far He will go.
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
God’s compassion is still roused for us, even though we do terrible things.
His hope is that His mercy will change our hearts, and bring us back to Him!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, my heart needs more softening, and today’s insight into Your heart is a good reminder. Help me to feel Your deep, deep hate for sin, and Your even deeper love for me!