RE Verse reading–Hosea 11:1-11, 14:1-2 (day one) “How can I give you up, Ephraim?. . .I will not carry out my fierce anger” (11:8,9) For 10 chapters, Hosea has compared God’s relationship with the church to a broken marriage. In chapter 11, he compares us to an equally familiar and tender human situation–a prodigal son. It is one of the most beautiful stories in Scripture or literature. (Luke 15) An ungrateful and foolish son walks away from His father’s home and values. The father sees tragedy coming but doesn’t force him to stay. Eventually, in brokenness, the son comes home to discover the true miracle–the father has not changed! Not His love. Not His loyalty. God is the only constant in our stormy and disappointing relationship. We drift. He doesn’t. Not that He would have been unjustified to do so, but He does not give up on us. Even in our worst, most ungrateful moments, He is the unprodigal father. What wondrous love is this?
