A Perception Problem
The word “excruciating” has two primary meanings, and they both apply to God in describing his fierce, faithful love for Israel: Meaning 1: “extremely painful; causing intense suffering; unbearably distressing; torturing” Meaning 2: “exceedingly elaborate or intense”[1]
“Excruciating love” is a love that hurts; sears; forges its way into bone marrow; and wreaks havoc within an impassioned heart. Excruciating love crushes the emotional fortitude of the one afflicted by it, and this includes God.
You might view such inflamed sensitivities as solely belonging to the loving “God of the New Testament” – the “Abba, father” of Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15, and Galatians 4:6 – not the so-called harsh, heavy-handed “God of the Old Testament.” If this happens to be your assessment, a swift rectifying of your perception is in order.
You see, this God who is so capable of, and prone to, longsuffering excruciating love is indeed found in the New Testament, but he was centuries earlier introduced to us in the Old Testament, and never more strikingly painted than in one stunning, gut-wrenching passage.
Hosea – Unfailing Love to Unfaithful People
David Ettinger was born and raised in a Jewish family in New York. After moving to New Mexico as an adult, he suffered through many trials. The nudge of the Holy Spirit caused him to examine his heart and in 1986 he surrendered his life to Jesus and has walked with Him ever since. David holds a BA, and MA, in English from New Mexico State University. He began his journalism career writing for The Roundup, the university paper. After graduation he became the sportswriter for the El Paso Times. He has held many other positions as both writer and editor with major publications. David is active in providing his skills with Zion’s Hope, Inc., in Winter Garden, Florida. His publications include Lifeway publications, Single Parent magazine (Focus on the Family), Zion’s Fire magazine, and Real Life magazine. In addition, he served as managing editor for Zion’s Fire and Real Life. David’s book, Overcomers: 30 Stories of Triumph from the Bible, is available online. David is proud of his son and grandson. Please read his testimony here, on his website.
Featured Image by Leighann Blackwood on Unsplash
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