Iron Chains or Velvet Reins?

The book of Hosea presents a beautiful picture of God’s passion to pursue and protect His people.  Israel had chosen to worship other gods.  They had created idols and traded a holy covenant with God for the empty promises of sin.

Despite this, God continued to offer redemption to His people, 

“But then I will win her back once again.
    I will lead her into the desert
    and speak tenderly to her there.
 I will return her vineyards to her
    and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope.
 She will give herself to me there,
    as she did long ago when she was young,
    when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt.
When that day comes,” says the Lord,
    “you will call me ‘my husband’
    instead of ‘my master.’” (Hosea 2: 14-16)

In so many ways, I am like the unfaithful Israel.  The Lord has loved me like no other.  Every minute, His desire is to bring me closer to Him.  He longs to protect me from harm and to do good for me all of my days. 

And yet, I wonder, are you like me?  Do you often see God’s love as iron chains, instead of velvet reins?

Jesus died, to take us as His bride, to love and cherish us.  However, we all too often receive His love as an obligation, instead of a gift.  We serve Him, too many times, as a begrudging slave, who has no choice but to perform the duties He gives to us. 

Today, let’s truly receive the love of God as He gives it, full of compassion. And in return, let our every thought and action be an expression of His loyalty and love.