When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt, I called my son. – Hosea 11:1
The Exodus of Israel out of Egypt was a work of God in epic proportions. Moses obeyed God and led His people out of bondage to what should have been a life covered by God’s protection and care in the Promised Land. Obedience and passionate devotion to the Lord ought to have marked their every step. But it did not.
They acted like little children who complained and murmured. Hosea reminded them that “the more they were called, the more they went away.” God was kind to them but they were bent on turning away from Him (Hosea 11:2-7). And yet, God loved them. Anyone else might have given them up, but not God. How could He be so patient and loving? God can remain compassionate and holy, and loving because He is God, the Holy One (v. 9).
Matthew applied Hosea 11:1 to events involving the Lord Jesus (Matthew 2:15). Having fled to Egypt for safety, God called Joseph to take Mary and the child Jesus out of Egypt and return to Israel. It was in Israel that Jesus ministered. In the end, He was sacrificed to pay the price for the sins of all people. Why did Christ suffer and die? Because He determined to provide a way of salvation for the people He loves. God is just and He is the Justifier for the sinning soul as well.
God’s love has no limits. Trust Him, adore Him. Then pray for those who have yet to understand the love God has for them, may they turn to Him and believe.
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