Remembering Compassion
Hosea 11:1-11
One of the great Bible truths of Hosea is that the compassion of God endures even when His people are unfaithful to Him. When we forget or fail to understand this truth, we will start to ask, “How could God still love me after what I’ve done?” We may falter in our faith when we are caught up in sinful behavior or when we struggle with the guilt of our sin. We may begin to doubt that God can, or will, forgive us. All of us need to remember that God’s love and compassion are enduring. No sinner is beyond the reach of His compassion and forgiveness.
Compassion, though unrecognized (Hosea 11:1-4). Read the first four verses slowly and carefully. What parents among us have not felt the pain described here – children who are loved, cared for through the tender years and continually reminded that they are loved, but they refuse to change and respond to the parents’ love. Israel refused to acknowledge her dependence upon God. Israel’s sin was not lack of knowledge, but lack of humility. She refused to acknowledge God’s goodness and grace. In spite of Israel’s rebellion, God continued to call her with his love, mercy and discipline.
Compassion amid judgment (Hosea 11:5-7). God declared that His people would not return to Egyptian slavery but would suffer defeat and serve the king of Assyria as judgment for their unfaithfulness. The God whom they refused to serve and obey would not be present to protect them when the enemy came. Verse seven describes the hearts of the people when God says, “My people are determined to turn from me.” There is a point where God says, “Enough.” Even then, we can be confident that His judgment is a part of His compassion for us.
Compassion over anger (Hosea 11:8-9). A true mark of greatness is tolerance of a weaker person. Patience, kindness and tender care are godlike qualities. Because of His compassion, God promised He would not let His people be completely destroyed. For Israel and for us, God punishes unfaithfulness, but not to the extent deserved. These verses show God’s deep love for His people.
Compassion with purpose (Hosea 11:10-11). God had decided. Israel had sinned, and sin must be dealt with. Israel would go through a tragic time of bondage and the people would be scattered. Hosea did not give details, but he told the people of Israel they would return to God in faith and He would resettle them in their homes.
Someone has said that love is blind. Not so with God, because He loves us in spite of knowing everything about us. God’s love seeks to change us in order to bring praise to Him. His love refuses to give up.
Davis– Lessons in the ETB series for the winter quarter are being written by Ron Davis, director of missions for Greenville Baptist Association.