READING: Hosea 10-14
“How shall I give thee up, Ephraim?”
Hosea 11:8
They were rebellious. Ungrateful. Idolaters. They had a history of turning their backs on the God who created them. Instead, they worshiped the very gods they had created with their own hands. Any repentance they exhibited tended to be less than long-term.
Still, God loved them.
Still, they remained His people.
He loved them like a father: “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son” (Hos. 11:1). He provided for them, walked beside them, and led them on the way. Even after they had blatantly turned their backs on Him, still He remained committed to them. In this text is God’s emotional love for His people; the words of even the first two questions are packed with love we can never fully understand.
How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I surrender you, Israel? (Hos. 11:8)
Simply stated, He would not let them go. He had made a commitment to His people, and He is a God who never fails to keep His commitment. His word is just that – His word, wrapped up in the essence of who He is as the God of undying love. He restrains His judgment, lest His people be destroyed.
Reflecting on this text, I am deeply grateful that our God does not give up His people. His compassion is greater than my rebellion, His love greater than my wanderings. Indeed, I can fill in the blank here with my name as I consider God’s words of grace: “How can I [God] surrender _________________ up?”
ACTION STEPS:
- He loves you. He loves me. He does not give us up. Let those truths sink in. Mediate on them.
- Let your love for God trump every temptation today.
PRAYER: “God, I praise You for not letting me go. I love you. ”
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 1-4