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, “Childrenof the living God.” Hosea 1:10 – The people of the Northern Kingdom of Israel at the time of Hosea’s ministry were so politically and economically secure that they found no “need” of God in their life anymore and choose to worship the idols of the neighboring lands. God, in His efforts to open the eyes of Israel’s sin of idolatry, had his prophet Hosea take on a unique task. Hosea was to marry a prostitute and have children with her. The names of the kids were to be “God will scatter,” “No mercy,” and “Not my people.” All this was to be a visual example to Israel of how they had committed adultery in their covenant with God and what the product of such adultery would be. And while they were scattered and punishment did come for the complete fall of Israel took place just decades later, God brought the message as well that this state of “Not my people” wasn’t for forever. He would bring them back and take them back as His children. God is going to allow us as well to taste the results of our sinful choices. Feelings of distance from Him, a lack of Him answering our prayers, and a lack of protection from the enemy is just the beginning of such results. Know though as believers we are always His children and He will not let us go too long in the punishment. His goal is our holiness, not our condemnation. He desires us with Him as His people, but He will allow us to see the outcome of our choices to turn from Him if that’s what we chase after. Let’s be so grateful that we have a God that instead of leaving us as not His people, He sacrificed His own Son so we could be forever His people. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2940
Question To Ponder: What is something unique that God has called you to do?
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