How Does God See Me, Even When I Have Sinned? (Hosea 7-14)
Have you ever wondered how God views you? Depending on how you were raised, it’s possible that when you read the Old Testament, all you see is judgment and punishment. But Hosea 11 makes it abundantly clear that God’s heart is anything but this.
Hosea 7-14
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Have you ever wondered how God views you?
Depending on how you were raised, it’s possible that when you read the Old Testament, all you see is judgment and punishment. But Hosea 11 makes it abundantly clear that God’s heart is anything but this. In chapters 7-14, Hosea condemns Israel for their deceit, idolatry, and alliances with foreign nations, which lead them away from God. But right in the middle of this, we get a look at God’s heart.
This chapter “appears to be a distinct entity. Like 10:9–15 it contains a historical reflection on Israel’s past and changes to direct address later in the passage. But otherwise it shows no sign of being directly connected.”[1] In this chapter, we see “two contrasting images: God the loving Father and Israel the stubborn, unrepentant son (rather than the unfaithful wife).”[2] What’s most striking is the first sentence. As Mike Butterworth writes, “There is no more passionate and moving expression of God’s heart than this anywhere in the Bible.”[3] God says,
1 When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.
2 Israel called to the Egyptians
even as Israel was leaving them.
They kept sacrificing to the Baals
and burning offerings to idols.
3 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
taking them by the hand,
but they never knew that I healed them.
4 I led them with human cords,
with ropes of love.
To them I was like one
who eases the yoke from their jaws;
I bent down to give them food.
Gary Smith points out, “The metaphors in 11:4 are somewhat confusing because it appears as if God is dealing with an animal, not his son. The metaphors of cords, ropes, and yoke suggest aspects of control and servitude.” However, Smith goes on to note that “by defining these as ‘cords of human kindness, with ties of love,’ one gets a picture of gentle leading rather than abusive or forced labor.”[4]
This is God’s heart. God isn’t an impatient tyrant who forces his people to do his will. He is a gentle, long-suffering Father who longs for his children to obey. Does he bring punishment? Yes. But he takes no delight in doing so.
A Meditation to PRAY
Praise | Heavenly Father, I praise you for your unwavering love and faithfulness. Just as you called Israel your child and loved them from the very beginning, I acknowledge your enduring love for me. Thank you for your compassion and tenderness, for leading me with cords of kindness and bonds of love.
Release | Lord, I release all my fears, doubts, and burdens to you. I let go of the times I have strayed from your path and failed to recognize your guiding hand in my life. I release my tendency to rely on my own understanding instead of trusting in your loving care. Help me to surrender my will and desires to you, knowing that you have always been there, leading me with love and compassion.
Ask | Father, I ask for your guidance and wisdom to follow your ways. Teach me to recognize your voice and respond to your call with obedience. Fill my heart with your love, and help me extend that love to others. I ask for the strength to trust your plans, even when I do not fully understand them.
Yield | I yield to your will, Lord, acknowledging that your ways are higher than mine. I submit my life into your loving hands, trusting that you will lead and care for me as you have always done. I yield my heart to your transformative love, allowing you to shape me into the person you have created me to be.
A Challenge to Act Like Christ
In Matthew 2:15, we see that Hosea 11:1 is fulfilled in Jesus. But how is this possible? How does this make sense if this verse seems to point backwards rather than forward? Daniel Carroll offers this observation:
