August 11

In Hosea 11–13, we hear one of the most tender yet heartbreaking expressions of God’s love in all of Scripture. God remembers how He cared for Israel like a father:
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.” (Hosea 11:1)
He taught them to walk, carried them in His arms, and bent down to feed them. But the more He loved, the more they turned away. They worshiped idols and trusted in their own strength. Still, God’s love wrestles with His justice. His heart cries out,
“How can I give you up, Ephraim? ... My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.” (Hosea 11:8)

Even in discipline, God doesn’t act out of rage—He acts from deep, faithful love. He longs for His people to return, not just in words, but in full surrender.

In Matthew 19, Jesus is approached by the rich young ruler, who wants eternal life but walks away sad when told to give up his wealth. Like Israel, he loved what he had more than the One who gave it. Jesus follows this moment with a stunning promise:
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
That includes restoring a wandering heart, softening a prideful spirit, and freeing someone bound by idols.

Hosea shows us a God who loves like a parent grieving a wayward child.
Matthew shows us a Savior who sees through our attachments and lovingly calls us to lay them down.

The call today is simple but weighty:
Return. Trust. Follow.
God’s love is stronger than your rebellion, closer than your shame, and more committed than your wandering. Don’t walk away sad. Walk toward the One who has never walked away from you.

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