“Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go?
How can I destroy you like Admah and Zeboiim?
My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows.” (Hosea 11:8)
The beauty of Hosea 11 has personally taken me to my knees tonight in adoration for a Father that can love a prodigal child. God describes in these verses how He fathered, cherished and deeply loved the nation of Israel, even when they turned their back on Him. The idolatry and sin of the world kept luring Israel away from the perfect protection and care of their Creator. Verse 7 describes their calloused hearts well, “They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor Me.” The nation of Israel had rejected the love of God, and yet He could not give them up. His love is greater.
I know this love. I was such a prodigal daughter. I grew up in the church and had tasted and seen the Father’s love. But when circumstances in my early adulthood left me questioning His goodness, I ran from Him.
But He pursued. He chased. His compassion was overflowing, and I responded to His kindness with repentance. And every day, I need a fresh reminder of this unfailing love He has for me and the mercy He showed me during that season of rebellion.
How can we comprehend the wonder of His love? He can’t let us go! It’s the same reason that Gomer, though she could not embrace the love of Hosea at first, began to bend beneath the weight of his mercy. He loved her. He pursued her. It was foolishness to the world, but it was everything to her. No matter what she had done, she was His! He would not relent!
No matter what you have done, you are His.
If you’re anything like me, worship leads me to the throne room of Grace. I hope the following songs touch your heart today as well. I pray that you will come to the understanding of how much He loves you, that He looks at you with compassion and says, “Oh, how can I give you up? How can I let you go?”
1. Have you experienced having this kind of love for someone? Forgiveness and mercy for a friend, spouse or child?
2. Do you believe that God has this kind of compassion and love for YOU?
3. Do you find yourself currently running from His love? If so, what truths from Hosea 11 can refute the lies that keep you from running to His arms even now?
4. Maybe you aren’t purposely running from the Father, but you are not honoring Him as the Most High. What in your life may be idolatry and keeping you from spending time with Him? Sometimes this is as simple as becoming complacent and not seeking God’s presence daily.
5. Do you truly desire God’s presence? This question alone is one worth seeking with humility!