When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son. 2 The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols. 3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them. 4 I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them. 5 They shall not return to the land of Egypt, but Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me. 6 The sword shall rage against their cities, consume the bars of their gates, and devour them because of their own counsels. 7 My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all. 8 How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. 9 I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath. 10 They shall go after the Lord; he will roar like a lion; when he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west; 11 they shall come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria, and I will return them to their homes, declares the Lord. 12 Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit, but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One. Meditation God wants you to know His heart, His tender compassion. Jesus describes His heart as “gentle and lowly” (Matthew 11:29). The heart of God is like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, compassion for His children who have wondered off. Today we see the anatomy of God’s tender and compassionate heart for you. God’s love is demonstrated in adoption, calling, teaching, leading, helping, and feeding (1-4). The descriptions are intimate: God “takes us into His arms, leads with “bonds of love,” and “bends down to feed us.” The depth of our sin and rebellion (5-7) highlight the height of His love for us (8-9). When we rebel God’s “heart recoils within Him, His compassion grows warm and tender” (8). This is amazing love. God’s love restores by reconciliation, “returning us home” (11) to walk with Him. God wants you to know His gentle heart, His tender compassion for you. The work of Jesus guarantees the love of God- nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:31-39). God desires to reconcile, restore, and renew through His love, inviting you to come to your senses, return home, and walk with him. Richly Dwelling -What adjectives would you use to describe the heart of God? Would you include tender, gentle, and compassionate? -What do you think of God’s revelation, that your rebellion arouses His compassion for you? -God’s love invites us to come to our senses and return home, to walk with Him. Where do you need to return to walking with God? Be specific. Key Verse 8 How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. CHECK OUT THE WEEK'S LINKS HERE. Comments are closed.
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AuthorPastor Mitchell celebrates twenty-five years of marriage with Lisa & together they have four adventurous children. |