March 2, 2025
Hosea 11:1-11 & 14:1-9 — God as the Father loves his children. When He as a Father is rejected and forgotten, we see God’s mind and heart exposed as He is torn between agonizing alternatives, his steadfast love, and his righteousness and holiness that must judge and punish sin. Consequently, God executes his loving discipline to purify, refine, and test his people. God’s love and mercy ensure the survival and future of his people, though they deserve neither. He tempers his judgment and discipline with mercy. He does not destroy his people totally. Because He is God and not human, He can change his heart. Now, He calls his people to repent, to return to Him, and follow the Lord. However, this requires a true change of heart and authentic repentance by his people; otherwise, history will just be repeated. In response to his people’s return, God’s gracious response and loving care restores, reconciles, and revives his people so that they can experience stability and fruitfulness. He has done this ultimately and supremely in Jesus Christ.
Series on the Old Testament Prophets — Walk in God’s Ways.
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