A Father's Heart

Dear Friends,

As we step into the opening months of 2025, may we walk in God’s perfect will for us. Remember, our awesome God, who is Creator of all things, is also our loving, heavenly Father. I found Hosea 11:1-4 to be a most touching scripture, revealing the precious and tender “Father heart” of God toward His children:

Hosea 11:1-4
"When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.
But the more they were called,
the more they went away from me.
They sacrificed to the Baals
and they burned incense to images.
It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
taking them by the arms;
but they did not realize
it was I who healed them.
I led them with cords of human kindness,
with ties of love.
To them I was like one who lifts
a little child to the cheek,
and I bent down to feed them.”

Hosea describes the time when the Lord led His children, Israel, out of Egyptian bondage, while faithfully guiding them through the harsh wilderness. The Hebrew word “led” is mashak – evoking the image of a shepherd who is gently drawing the sheep as he leads his flock. God never failed them, as He gently and patiently protected and provided for them in a barren desert.

When the Lord called Israel to draw closer to Him, they strayed further and further away. Israel had become rebellious and unfaithful to the Lord by worshipping false gods. Though their sin had disabled them, the Lord carefully took them by their arms, lifted them up, and taught them to walk in His ways. Yet God’s children did not even realize it was their loving heavenly Father who had healed them!

He led them with cords of kindness. Picture a cord or band used for leading little lambs. The word kindness in the Hebrew is chesed, which can be translated “loving-kindness,” or “steadfast love.” God leads His precious children with cords or bands of loving-kindness. While the ingratitude of God’s children grieves the Holy Spirit, the Lord is still merciful toward them:

Isaiah 30:18
…the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.

Psalm 103:13 of David
As a father has compassion on his children,
so, the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.

Psalm 103:17-18 of David (NLT2)
…the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him.
His salvation extends to the children’s children
of those who are faithful to his covenant,
of those who obey his commandments!

The Lord gently removes the yoke of Egyptian bondage from His beloved. He then stoops to save and feed His people. The picture of the Lord bending down is reminiscent of the care of a nurturing parent. This scripture reminds us of the Lord’s enduring provision for all of Israel’s needs in the wilderness.

In 2025, let us remember whom we have believed. Our wonderful heavenly Father is loving and faithful to his precious children!

May the Lord richly bless you and your family as you walk in His will for 2025!

Pastor Paul