DCLM Daily Manna 19 October 2026: Love That Redeems
KEY VERSE: “Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine” (Hosea 3:1).
TEXT: ECCLESIASTES 12:8–14
Vapor of vapors and futility of futilities, says the Preacher. All is futility (emptiness, falsity, vainglory, and transitoriness)!
9 And furthermore, because the Preacher was wise, he [Solomon] still taught the people knowledge; and he pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.
10 The Preacher sought acceptable words, even to write down rightly words of truth or correct sentiment.
11 The words of the wise are like prodding goads, and firmly fixed [in the mind] like nails are the collected sayings which are given [as proceeding] from one Shepherd.
12 But about going further [than the words given by one Shepherd], my son, be warned. Of making many books there is no end [so do not believe everything you read], and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13 All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God’s providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good or evil.
READ OTHER DCLM DAILY DEVOTIONAL HERE
The story is told of how a couple married for 15 years began having more than usual disagreements. They wanted to make their marriage work and agreed on an idea the wife had. For one month they planned to drop a slip in a “Fault” box. The boxes would provide a place to let the other know about daily irritations. The wife was diligent in her efforts and approach: “leaving the jelly top off the jar,” “wet towels on the shower floor,” “dirty socks not in hamper,” on and on until the end of the month. After dinner, at the end of the month, they exchanged boxes. The husband reflected on what he had done wrong. Then the wife opened her box and began reading. They were all the same, the message on each slip was, “I love you!”.
The story in our passage is one of the most powerful pictures of God’s unrelenting love in the Bible. Despite betraying him, God commanded Hosea to go back and marry, Gomer, his adulterous wife. Though uncomfortable and painful, it mirrors God’s continued love for Israel in spite of her repeated unfaithfulness of chasing after other gods and breaking the covenant with the Lord. Hosea did not only comply, he went ahead to buy her back, a symbol of God’s redeeming grace, just as Jesus paid our price with His own life to bring us back to Himself.
Hosea’s love story is a deeper spiritual truth of God’s love to us even though we don’t deserve it. Despite our spiritual wanderings, God sent His Son to die for our redemption, and He patiently waits for our return. Today, if you can turn back to God with sincere a heart, He will welcome, renew, and restore your relationship with Him.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God’s love is not just emotional, it’s active, redemptive, and full of hope.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Revelation 18–20.
DCLM Daily Manna 19 October 2026
