RE Verse reading–Hosea 11:1-11, 14:1-2 (day four) “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. But the more I called Israel, the further they went from me.” (vs 1) Words are inadequate for the tender memories I have of my sons and their early years. First steps. . .songs and sounds. . .baseball games. . .it is a blur of gratitude. I can only imagine what I would feel if those early memories were shattered later by a broken relationship. Many parents face this heart ache. It is what God feels when we drift. Hosea 11 speaks of the early years of Israel’s salvation. God remembers the days of their tender trust and liberation. Later, sadly, they rebelled and ignored His calls. A reminder to us. Our early experiences of God’s goodness should teach us a lifelong loyalty. His love never changes. Neither should our trust. It is both sin and sorrow to walk away from such love.
