God's Heart for His People

Recently, I watched a video of Si Robertson from Duck Dynasty share the gospel to a group of inmates. There, sitting on stage, requiring supplemental oxygen, Si shared the truth of God’s love. To a group of people living life behind bars, a consequence to their actions, he shared, “There ain’t nothing none of you, or me, could do that can keep us from his love.”

I do not know why, but I became tearful watching this interaction. Was it the frailty of the speaker, sharing the good news even when his health is declining? Or the response of the men hearing God’s Word and responding with open hearts? Or just the big picture realization that Si was planting seeds and building God’s Kingdom. Who knows! But there I was watching, eyes beginning to water.

Can I tell you, that is exactly what happened when I read the story of Hosea for the first time. Hosea was a prophet among the Israelite people, and he lived his life on mission! His story was symbolic of God’s overwhelming, unconditional, unfathomable love for his people. Hosea, in obedience to God, married a promiscuous woman name Gomer. He had children with her and showed her love, though she continually chose to seek worldly gratification and act on her lustful desires. Hosea went and rescued her time and again from a life of prostitution, demonstrating a love that was not based on response, but by decision. I cannot imagine the pain and heartache that he felt in his marriage, and yet he chose to remain faithful to his bride.

Hosea’s marriage to Gomer is symbolic of what was happening in Israel at that time. In the same way that Gomer had cheated on Hosea, Israel had betrayed God. At that time, Israel was experiencing material wealth, yet spiritual poverty. Israel was focused on worldly wealth and worshiping idols, yet God remained loving and faithful. God used Hosea to communicate His will for His people to turn from their ways (repent) and be reconciled to Him with empathy and understanding. This story proves God’s unconditional love and faithfulness, even when our hearts are turned away from Him. He pursues His people!

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8
 
Reflection: So how do we relate to this story today? Our idols today may look differently than those that were in Hosea’s day, but there are still things in our lives that turn our hearts away from our Heavenly Father. What is that for you?

Pastor Aaron asked this question last Sunday. When was the last time you were alone with God?

I’ll go even further today. What is keeping us from time with God?

Once you can identify what is keeping your heart from God, confess it to Him in prayer, knowing that it does not matter what your past looks like. God’s heart is for His people! God loves you. He has always loved you. And He wants to restore you to Himself. In the words of Si Robertson, “That’s a fact, Jack!”

Lastly, I encourage you today to decide on an action step. What is one action that you can put into practice today to realign your heart with God’s purpose?

“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to answer, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” - Psalm 86:15
 
Prayer: Thank You, God, for Your unconditional love and willingness to pursue Your people. I am sorry for allowing the things of this world to draw my heart away from You. Today, I choose to realign myself to Your will. Thank You for Your mercy and grace, Your willingness to restore and reconcile our relationship. I love You, God.

We'd love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments what God is speaking to you as you read these devotionals. If you haven't already subscribed to receive our devotional emails right to your inbox, hit the subscribe button below and invite your family and friends to subscribe as well! Thank you for being a part of our Opendoor Devotional Community. We appreciate you!