God's Glory Church

“I was to them like those who lift the yoke from off their neck.” — Hosea 11:4

A 2017 video of a father comforting his two-month-old son during routine vaccinations has captured the attention of many viewers around the world because it conveys a father’s love for his child. After the nurse finished administering the shots, the father gently pressed his son against his cheek and the boy stopped crying within seconds. There is nothing more comforting than the tender care of a loving parent.

There are many beautiful descriptions of God as a loving Father in the Holy Scriptures that remind us of God’s deep love for His children. The Old Testament prophet Hosea was given a message to deliver to the Israelites living in the Northern Kingdom during the divided kingdom. He urged them to return to their relationship with God. Hosea reminded the Israelites of God’s love, portraying Him as a tender Father: “When Israel was a boy, I loved him” (Hosea 11:1); “and I was to them as those who lift a yoke from off their neck” (v. 4).

This reassuring promise of God’s loving care applies to us as well. Whether we are seeking His tender care after a period of rejecting His love, or perhaps seeking Him because of the pain and suffering in our lives, God calls us His children (1 John 3:1) and His comforting arms are open to us (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

How have you felt the love of God as a caring Father? What experiences can you bring to Him today?

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me Your child and for tenderly caring for me as I flock to You.

Author: Lisa Samra