For a few moments, amid Hosea’s damning message of judgement, it’s as though we’re allowed to step aside and overhear an intimate reflection of God. Here is the anguish of a loving parent (vs 1–4): ‘I taught you to walk, I healed your hurts, I led you with kindness, I picked you up, I carried you, I fed you, I called you when you turned away from me…’ Yet, God’s children were determined to go their own way (even back to Egypt, vs 5–7). But God doesn’t give up (v 8). 

The Israelites’ behaviour would have consequences. Refusal to repent of their idolatrous and untruthful living would result in violent defeat and bring an end to all their pretentious plans (v 6). Mere lip-service to God wasn’t enough (v 7), but…

This time, surely, they’d gone too far. But how can beloved children ever be given up (v 8)? Remember the parable of Hosea’s own life: ‘not loved’ becomes ‘my loved one’ (1:6; 2:1). God is more compassionate than we can imagine (vs 8,9). In response to their waywardness, he will come like a roaring lion (v 10). And then, in humility – from all directions – his people will return trembling, and God himself will settle them in their homes (vs 10,11). God is holy, but he loves his children. 

Father God, help me to see myself as you see me. Help me to wonder anew at your grace and mercy today.

In this chapter we are exposed to a God of tenderness, judgement and grace. As the historical interactions between God and Israel are given a brief overview, it is as if we are being given a picture of the inner working of God’s reasoning. We are reminded how close God is. From calling Israel out of Egypt, to healing them; then, using the language of a parent to a toddler, by helping them to walk and lifting them up to embrace them. God is invested in Hosea’s listeners – but they have been less invested in God, honouring with their lips but not their lives. 

Dishonouring God can be an easy path to drift down. It is unlikely that we had such a destination in mind, but the pressures of life and the voices of the crowd can eat away at our faith commitment. God has been involved in our lives before we were even born. As we grew up, God was there. There would have been times in our lives when we were called or taken care of and we did not even know it. This is how it is with God: wherever we go, there God is. Just as Israel’s sin needed judgement, so too did ours. The best response is at the altar of repentance: it is there that we find grace and mercy. 

God’s heart is clear in verse 8, where three times we read, ‘How can I …’. This is the love of a parent who has given so much, has been broken in the process, but still wants to give more. This is fulfilled in Jesus, the true Son who was called out of Egypt.¹ It is in Jesus that we see the pain that our sin has caused, yet he demonstrates to us his incredible love. 

Allow God to minister that great love to your heart, restoring an image of deep wonder. How can you help others see the way that God sees them? 

¹ Matt 2:15