Our scripture today is Hosea 1:10 (ESV).
Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, “You are not my people,” it shall be said to them, “Children of the living God.”
God is angry with His wayward children, and He directs Hosea to demonstrate how wicked their disobedience is and how badly it hurts God to see this. In this verse He repeats the promise of His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:5) – that the people will be numerous and have a home. Even after the horrific actions that brought on the Exile, God stands by His promise. Nothing we can do will cause Him to break this! As Paul tells us, nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39).
Loving Lord, we are sorry for the awful things we have done. Forgive us, cleanse us through the gift of our Savior, and send us to share the joy of Your love everywhere. Amen.
