A Father’s heart
by Pastor Nathan Hedt
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But the more I called Israel, the further they went from me … all my compassion is aroused (Hosea 11:2,8b).
Bette Midler sang, ‘God is watching us … from a distance’. Nothing could be further from the truth of God’s character found in the Bible! Far from a remote God watching us from a distance as Bette Midler sings. God is heartbroken, emotional, compassionate and deeply involved in the lives of his people.
The Book of Hosea is a poignant love story of God, who loved his people Israel although they continually rebelled against his love. Their rebellion placed them in great danger. Nothing breaks a parent’s heart more than these things: seeing a beloved child rebel and walk away or seeing a beloved child in great pain or danger. As a father, I’ve experienced the second but not the first to any great degree. God’s heart broke for both the rebellion and the danger.
Like the waiting father in Luke 15, the God revealed in the Book of Hosea longed for his people to return to him. He longs to shower his people with love and compassion, tend their wounds, save them from their often self-inflicted danger, and hold them close and whisper his love for them.
Have you wandered away from God? Have you actively rebelled? Have your decisions led to pain and hurt in your life? If you are carrying a sense of shame and distance from God, thinking to yourself that he wouldn’t go so far as to love or forgive you, remember the Father’s heart. He loves you. He longs for you. He will show forgiveness and compassion to you. The Father’s arms are open wide.
Compassionate and loving Father, thank you for your deep involvement, love and compassion in my life. When I turn away, help me turn back and come to your waiting arms. Thank you that your love for me never fades or changes, no matter what I do. Help me believe and receive your love and compassion. Amen.
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