Hosea 11 is the 1 Corinthians of the Old Testament; a story of God's relationship with His people. He established the Israel as his people the same way He does for you and I. Israel had not been a proper lady, as they had turned away from God to do it on their own. Self direction control is a great temptation.
We are all primed to become disciplined, but His anger is only for a moment; His grace is for ever. In our lives, being disciplined was not a fun time, as it was much different when us older folks were kids. So now we have a wrong impression regarding God's discipline which is an expression of His love. In Hosea 11:5. God's discipline is intentional. "Swards will flash in their city to put and end to their plan". Still Israel only trusted in themselves, not God. "God would never bring judgment upon us." God had to show Israel that they were not self-reliant, He goes for the heart.
Hebrews 12:6-10 The Lord only disciplines those He loves. Being a son of God, there is a good chance you will be chastised. If we are not disciplined then we are just an illegitimate child. His discipline is for Good. He loves us so much, and want's for us to receive our inheritance, eternal life with Him. Israel gave up their sovereignty out fear of the Syrians; what are we giving up because of our fears?
God's discipline is restoring, and more. Our latter glory will be greater than our first. He will restore and more. Jeremiah 29:4-7 is a key as to how to live: God spoke to the exiles, whom He has disciplined, instructing them to build up the welfare of their new country's, Babylon. Then they will find their own welfare. Seek your welfare where you are. When the Lord disciplines, He goes straight to our hearts to attack our pride. There is a very good likelihood we are being disciplined today. If not, we soon will be.
