And she conceived again and bore a daughter. Then God said to him: “Call her name Lo-Ruhamah, for I will no longer have mercy on the house of Israel, but I will utterly take them away. Yet I will have mercy on the house of Judah, will save them by the LORD their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword or battle, by horses or horsemen.”  Hosea 1:6-7

It is the nature of rebellious people to need more than one warning.  Throughout history, God raised up prophets to sound numerous alerts.  He never, as far as I know, spoke just once and then delivered a judgment. He was gracious and never left them wondering what in the world they had done wrong.   Chapter after chapter throughout the O.T. showcases the long-suffering of Yahweh as He outlines the wrong course they are taking, also showing them the way back into God’s favor.

The name of Hosea’s first child, Jezreel, foretold that Israel would be scattered and rendered powerless.  His second child’s name, Lo-Ruhamah, would render a second message.  “I have run out of mercy for Israel but will eventually save the house of Judah.”   Even God has a breaking point.  He does not restrain His hand forever when sin is repeatedly ignored.  Lest we think He is a vengeful God, Israel’s rebellion spanned generations.  His merciful hand reached out many times to point out their sin and give them a chance to repent so they could be saved.

It would be the birth of Hosea’s daughter and the message she would bear through her name that would yield its fruit.  God is a God of His Word.  The armies of Assyria destroyed Israel, but when the same army attacked Judah, they could not conquer them. God fought for them. The angel of the LORD killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night.  Why did He spare one nation and not the other?  Judah had been faithful to God through the righteous reign of King Hezekiah.  2 Kings 18-19

No matter what portion of the Bible you read, the themes are the same.  Obey my commandments, and you will prosper.  But disobey, and you will be led into captivity.  God’s hovering presence vanishes with longstanding rebellion.  Captivity serves as a cruel teacher but leads those who are teachable to repentance.

Today, I’m again reminded to stay open-minded about my sin. That way, I never need to forfeit the warmth of God’s smile on my shoulder.

Your patience with Your children far exceeds human levels.  Thank you for mercy and undeserved favor throughout my lifetime.  I even thank you for times of captivity.  In Jesus’ name, Amen