7 July 2022

When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.
The more I called them,
the more they went from me;
they kept sacrificing to the Baals,
and offering incense to idols.

I led them with cords of human kindness,
   with bands of love.
I was to them like those
   who lift infants to their cheeks.
   I bent down to them and fed them.

From Hosea 11:1-4,8-9, NRSV

The prophet Hosea has had to deliver some stern words of warning to the people of Israel, but in today’s reading we hear some very tender words in which God’s love for the people is compared to that of a loving parent. Despite the ingratitude and waywardness of the people, God cannot cut the link with the “child” Israel. Whilst it is past the point where the self inflicted disaster is to befall the people can be avoided, God does not want to give up on them and speaks of the heartbreak of having to see his beloved child endure what is to come. God promises to stay with the people even during the ordeal to come.

• • How do you suppose these words affected those who heard them from the prophet?
  • When have you experienced the tenderness of God’s love?

You may like to reflect on and give thanks for God’s enduring love – especially for those times when you have not felt deserving of this.