ESOCS Devotional 7 October 2022
TEXT: HOSEA 11:1 – 9
MEMORY VERSE: “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.” Hosea 11:1
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
Have you ever wondered why sinners survive, why wicked people who have given themselves over to great ungodliness survive? Have you ever wondered why God tolerate sinners among His people and they seem to be getting away with their sins. Hosea provides us the answer. God is merciful and full compassion. He is overflowing with love and is not in a hurry to destroy the sinner.
God’s people are a special treasure to Him. He loves them with an everlasting love. But many times the people of God turn away from Him and go into a life of sin. When Israel sinned, the fact that they were His chosen people did not make their sin lesser than its magnitude. Nevertheless, God was good to them; yet, they went deeper into sin and will not return to Him. God lamented this situation in this passage. He said, “How can I give you up, Ephraim; how can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I treat you like Adamah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is changed within me all my compassion is aroused. I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I devastate Ephraim” (Hosea 11:8 & 9).
Many of God’s children today are like the Israelites. The wages of sin remains death for everyone. However, God in His love refuses to bring speedy judgment on the sinner. This is good news for it affords the sinner opportunity to turn away from sin, return to God, and be free from the consequences of sin.
Nevertheless, no one should take the mercifulness of God for granted; for when He shows the sinner mercy or favors him, it is that the sinner should come to repentance (Rom 2:4)
God may be abundant in mercy but they surely will be a day of accounting when all sinners shall bear the brunt of their sins. Israel is a case in point.
CHALLENGES
- Why is it difficult for people to continue in righteous living?
- Why do some Christians abide in sinful living in-spite of God’s loving kindness?
PRAYERS
- Lord, we want to appreciate you for your patience and loving kindness towards your children. Draw our hearts close to you. Help us to walk in righteousness and live holy unto you. Amen.
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ESOCS Devotional 7 October 2022
