A Tenacious Love
Primary Scripture: Hosea 11:1–11 (NKJV)
Opening Scripture
Hosea 11:1–6 NKJV
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.
As they called them, So they went from them; They sacrificed to the Baals, And burned incense to carved images.
I taught Ephraim to walk, Taking them by their arms; But they did not know that I healed them.
I drew them with gentle cords, With bands of love… I stooped and fed them…
…Because they refused to repent.”
In this final message of the series, we see a powerful truth:
God’s love is tenacious.
It does not give up.
It does not quit.
It does not walk away easily.
1. God Is God
Hosea 11:7 NKJV
“My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, None at all exalt Him.”
God reminds Israel of everything He has done for them:
- He brought them out of Egypt.
- He established their kingdom.
- He made covenant with their leaders.
- He protected and provided for them.
Yet they turned away.
Backsliding means turning back from what you once knew was true. It happens when we stop seeing God for who He truly is.
When we reduce God in our minds:
- We stop exalting Him.
- We treat Him casually.
- We choose our will over His will.
Calling on God is not the same as exalting God.
Key Truth
Backsliding begins when reverence fades.
Reflection Questions
- Have you minimized God’s authority in any area of your life?
- Do you exalt God in daily decisions or only in crisis?
- Where have you chosen your will over His?
Personal Challenge
Spend time this week declaring who God is. Write down His attributes—Creator, Deliverer, Healer, Judge, Savior—and thank Him for each one.
2. God Is Merciful
Hosea 11:8–9 NKJV
“How can I give you up, Ephraim? … My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred.
I will not execute the fierceness of My anger… For I am God, and not man…”
Israel deserved judgment. They broke covenant. They chased idols. They ignored warnings.
Yet God’s heart was stirred with compassion.
He references cities like Admah and Zeboiim (Deuteronomy 29:23), cities destroyed in judgment. Israel deserved the same fate. God chose mercy.
“It could’ve been worse.”
God showed grace when destruction was deserved.
Every sin we committed carried consequences. Yet we are still here. That is mercy.
Key Truth
God’s mercy flows from His character, not our performance.
Reflection Questions
- Where have you experienced mercy instead of punishment?
- Do you take God’s patience for granted?
- How does remembering God’s mercy change your worship?
Personal Challenge
Thank God specifically for moments when it “could have been worse.” Then extend mercy to someone who needs it.
3. God Is Calling
Hosea 11:10–11 NKJV
“They shall walk after the LORD. He will roar like a lion… Then His sons shall come trembling… And I will let them dwell in their houses.”
God is pictured as a roaring lion. A lion roars to:
- Mark territory
- Protect its pride
- Rally its family
- Warn enemies
- Gather its own
God roars to call His people home.
Even after exile and consequence, He calls them back.
Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He still calls:
- The weary
- The wandering
- The backslider
- The broken
He calls us out of darkness and into light.
Key Truth
God’s call is louder than your failure.
Reflection Questions
- Do you hear God calling you back in any area?
- What distractions keep you from responding?
- How can you walk more closely with the Lord this week?
Personal Challenge
Respond to God’s call in one concrete way—return to prayer, attend Bible study, reconcile a relationship, serve in ministry.
Series Summary
In this series we learned:
- An Appointed Love – God initiates love.
- A Forgotten Love – People drift when they forget covenant.
- A Love Worth Fighting For – Love requires effort.
- A Tenacious Love – God does not give up.
God:
- Is sovereign.
- Is merciful.
- Is calling.
His love endures. His mercy restores. His voice gathers.
Final Reflection
Have you turned away?
Have you drifted?
Have you forgotten?
The Lion is still roaring.
Do you hear Him?
Invitation
God created you and loves you. Sin separated us from Him. His love sent Jesus to restore us.
If you are ready to respond, pray:
“God, thank You for creating me and loving me. I confess that I have sinned and been separated from You. Forgive me. I believe You sent Your Son Jesus to die for my sins and that He rose from the dead. I confess Jesus as Lord of my life and Savior of my soul. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
If you prayed this prayer, let us know. Visit the Become a Member page on our website.
Love Never Fails. And God’s love never lets go.