Village Schools of the Bible

A Devotional Study of Hosea
by Max Frazier, Jr

A STRONG STATEMENT OF LOVE: Hosea 11

There are some great chapters of the Bible which describe for us God's great love. If I were to ask you to name a few of these chapters I think your responses might include many of the following:

1. 1 Corinthians 13: This has to be first on everyone's list. This chapter is even known as the "love chapter."

2. John 13: This chapter would be on your list because of the great demonstration of love which Jesus performed there in the Upper Room, as He laid aside His garments and washed the feet of His disciples. He then proceeded to give them the commandment that they were to love Him and keep His commandments.

3. The book of the Song of Solomon: Many of you might select this entire book for your list of great love chapters of the Bible. It rightfully deserves a place because it certainly does present God's beautiful picture of what a meaningful love relationship between a husband and a wife should look like.

4. The book of Ruth: Outside of the story of the great love which God has for us, this is perhaps the greatest story of sacrificial love which we have in the Bible. It is a timeless story of love and redemption.

5. John 3: This chapter might be on your list simply because it contains that very simple verse, learned early in our Christian walk, which describes the height and depth of God's love - He loved us so much that He gave us His only Son.

6. Philippians 2: Verses 5 through 8 of this chapter describe the great sacrifice which God's Son was willing to make for our redemption.

But, as we were making out our list, few of us would include Hosea 11. And yet, in my own personal estimation, it is one of the great love chapters of all time. What an emotionally charged description of God's love. Even though the people are rebellious, God still loves them. He loves Israel as a parent loves his son, although he has been greatly disappointed with him. God has showered His love upon His child, but the child has increasingly walked away. Finally, it was time for tough love to be initiated. But even the tough love was restrained by love. Friends, God loves us even in our disobedience. God never abandons us.

Let me encourage you to sit down and read this chapter and then spend some time just praising God for His great love. Perhaps you might even want to sing that old hymn which closes with these words, O love of God, how rich and pure; how measureless and strong. It shall forevermore endure the saints (that's you and me) and angels' song.

Further Thoughts from Hosea 11

KEY WORDS: Love; Loved

KEY VERSE: Verse 8 declares God's feelings toward Israel - a strong statement of love.

PURPOSE STATEMENT: The focus of this chapter is on God's love - a love spurned by Israel, yet restored to them following their judgment.

OUTLINE: GOD'S LOVE

I. A love spurned - verses 1-4

II. A determined people - verses 5-7

III. A promised blessing - verses 8-11

IV. Israel's sin - verse 12

Hosea 10 Return to the Table of Contents Hosea 12