“Such loving kindness”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Saturday, October 1, 2022
Hosea 11:1-9 (Forward, p. 64) CEV p. 919
Often during my career as a social worker, I wondered, even speculated, about the causes of the juvenile delinquency I encountered. I wondered whether it had any roots in the kind of parenting that the young person had received. Clearly, in some cases, their delinquency could well be attributed to their upbringing, to things like some ongoing neglect or abuse perhaps, or to a lack of controls and discipline, but not always. Sometimes the parenting was exemplary as far as I could tell. Sometimes the parents were loving and caring, and demonstrated the proper balance between discipline and controls, on the one hand, and freedom on the other. And still the young person chose to rebel, to go in a different direction than what he or she had been taught.
Apparently, this, as far as Hosea could tell, was the case in the God’s dealings with Israel. God was the one who taught them to walk, who nurtured them and healing them, who led them onward. Indeed, he was the one who rescued them in times of trouble.
And, even so, they still rebelled and put their trust in secular forces, foreign powers like Egypt, and in idols that have no power. Somehow, strange as it may seem, they thought that these people or things were more powerful and helpful than God—even with all that God had done for them. The downside to all this, as Hosea explains, is that all of these will fail them in a pinch, that Israel’s plans will ultimately fail.
However, in spite of their rebellion and waywardness, in spite of their lack of trust and their fickleness, God will not turn away from them. As God so eloquently puts it in verse 8: “How can I give you up, Israel? How can I abandon you? My heart will not let me do it! My love for you is too strong.”
Yes, that is indeed the way that God sees each of us, treats each of us. Even when we turn astray and refuse to trust Him or obey Him, He is still there for us. He forgives us even before we ask or are even aware that we need forgiveness. In fact, He stands ready and waiting, like the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, to welcome us back and receive us as redeemed, forgiven sons and daughters. Let us always remember that and return to this One who loves us so much and so dearly whenever we stray. Amen.
Forward notes: “I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them: (verse 4).
“When my grandson was young, I loved watching his face light up when his mother or father lifted him up high, then swung him in tight, held him close, and nuzzled his neck and chest. They had distinct ways of embracing him and, of course, various motivations, but each time, my grandson acted so surprised—and pleased. He’d broadcast his most loving sounds along with some of his biggest smiles. His growing legs would stretch out, and his small feet would arch and reach; he was so excited and yet so comforted.
God’s love for Israel is like the love my grandson receives—pure, undiminished, and freely given. I hope we react in the same way, with excitement, smiles, and a profound sense of comfort.”
Moving Forward: “How do you respond to God’s love?”