Read Hosea 11:5-8
Throughout the book of Hosea, we read about Israel’s unfaithfulness, idolatry, and hypocrisy. They say they know God, but they don’t allow Him to truly transform their hearts; letting blind ambition drive foolish choices and misplaced faith in false gods and faithless nations. The prophet paints a picture of Israel as the rebellious son, and God as his loving but emotionally whiplashed father; in verses 5-8 we hear the latter’s frustration, the torment of watching His people venture down a path of destruction contrasted directly by His heartbreak over their rebellion.
My oldest daughter is only four, and even this early on, I can relate to that internal tug-of-war! I want the best for my kids yet know that ultimately their choices are theirs to make and may have less than ideal consequences from which I can’t always protect them.
A favorite piece of parenting advice that I keep coming back to: “You cannot control what your children are exposed to, but you can influence the way they respond to it.” What a convincing case for “start[ing] children off on the way they should go” (Proverbs 22:6)—the way of Jesus!
Right now, most of our family’s “battles” are relatively small (remembering to say “please” and “thank you,” eating our vegetables at suppertime, sharing with friends and siblings) but I’m aware that the obstacles along their way will likely become bigger and more complex as they grow older. The best my husband and I can do is to lead our family in God-directed ways and pray that our girls are influenced by that example. We want them to know and love God, to turn to Him first for guidance on how to direct their steps.
Ultimately, this is God’s plan for His people, too. Like any parent, He hopes that His instruction would be the roadmap and laments when human nature causes us to stray. But God isn’t just any father figure —He is the perfect parent who protects the family. He allowed Israel to be conquered but not destroyed; His ultimate promise is to save, to “heal their waywardness and love them freely” (Hosea 14:4). There is hope for future repentance and restoration with Him.
For Reflection:
- Consider your life with God to this point. What are some of His lessons you had to learn the “hard way”? Thank God for the grace and love He’s shown you even in those moments you’ve rebelled.
By Rachel Shuster
