Scripture for Sunday
Hosea 11:1-9 (ESV)
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.
Questions for Reflection
1. Would you prefer to be known as “loving” or “just”? Why?
2. How did God express His love for Israel? (11:1-4)
3. Why did the nation not deserve mercy? (11:5-7)
4. How did God show that He was torn between love and justice? (11:8-11)
