To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to
feed them. —Hosea 11:4b
We need food to survive. Hunger is one of the most unpleasant feelings a person can experience. Although it’s fairly easy to obtain food in America, dealing with hunger until you can eat is a challenge. Hunger saps energy and concentration. It makes you easily irritated. If hunger goes unchecked, it leads to severe physical
and emotional symptoms such as depression, hopelessness, muscle atrophy
and infections. In today’s verse, Israel was hungry and showing symptoms of long-term spiritual malnutrition. The nation had turned away from God, worshipping idols for decades, maybe centuries. Throughout Hosea, God compares Israel to an unrepentant prostitute, cheating on Him with other gods. He accuses Israelites of doing detestable acts such as burning their children at false gods’ altars. Countless warnings did nothing to make Israel repent. Despite their sin, God never lost His love for Israel. His motives are clear in Hosea 11:4. God knows His people are suffering, starving for Him. He wants to lift them up to His cheeks, like a daddy lifting a toddler, and feed them what they need. Unlike physical food, God’s supply never runs out. He has enough for everyone at any time and aches to share it at His table. Today, you might be spiritually malnourished. You probably don’t bow to wood and stone like Israel. However, you may have idols in your life. These idols give you a false sense of spiritual nutrition. They aren’t healthy or sustaining food. If you are malnourished, you’ll know it. You might find yourself more prone to anger or depression, or you may avoid church, prayer or Bible study. During prayer time, tell God you’re hungry for Him. Ask Him to help you “eat” what’s spiritually healthy. He’ll lift you up and serve you a full plate.
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