The tone of Hosea 11 is one of love. Not just a loving husband who’s willing to forgive an unfaithful wife, but as a gentle and kind father who is bursting with emotion for his children.

• Remember that God has a plan for Israel. They are not blotted out from the ultimate plan, and neither are we!

• Notice God’s stated love. Some generations aren’t demonstrative in actions or even in expressing words like, “I love you,” but, not God. He shows His love and vocalizes it so it’s unmistakable.

• Verse 2 says, “The more they were called…” We serve a persistent God who woos us. He calls us more and more.

• The reference to Ephraim in verse 3 is speaking of Israel. Listen again to what is said: “I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms…” What a moving picture of how a parent teaches their son or daughter to walk. “I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love…” says verse 4. Another analogy is Him being like a gentle and kind farmer who cares and feeds the animals. His yoke is easy, friends.

• Verse 6 offers us a warning about our own thoughts! Remember that Jeremiah 17:9 tells us our hearts are deceitfully wicked. Be careful of your own counsel. The Holy Spirit is the True Counselor. Let us seek His wisdom, and in doing so, lose ourselves.

• The Lord cries out in verse 8! Hear His heart for you, beloved. “How can I give up!” His outpouring and expressive love overwhelms Him. “My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender.” Oh, friend, know these words. Let them be salve to your weary soul. May it nourish the soil of your heart.

• His love restrains Him from anger (verse 9). How beautiful to know He never leads with wrath—He leads with love. Go after Him, as it says in verse 10. Seek the Lion of Judah! Tremble before Him in humility and return home to Him. He desires reconciliation. Amen.