Scripture for Today: Hosea 13:13 “Pains as of a woman in childbirth come to him, but he is a child without wisdom; when the time arrives, he doesn’t have the sense to come out of the womb.”

One never completely forgets the childbirth experience, even after decades have past.  But the memories of the pain give place quite quickly to the joy of holding that precious newborn!  My firstborn was two weeks late but the wait, though hard, was well worth it!  Experiencing the miracle of birth is a privilege I am glad God gave to women!

I cannot imagine a baby refusing to be born!  Our verse uses the image of childbirth to describe Israel’s rebellion.  It was a dark time of idol worship.  The people had become proud after being satisfied with God’s provision.  They forgot Him and turned to Baal.  It is a difficult chapter of painful judgement.  But God’s judgement is always just.  There is opportunity to repent but in this instance, there was no wisdom or sense to do so.  Ephraim, or Israel, acted like a child refusing to exit the womb towards life.

Sin hurts.  Whether it is enduring its consequences or undergoing judgement, there is pain.  I am thankful for God’s grace that gives the opportunity to ask forgiveness.  There is pardon and mercy for those that do.  There is life when exiting that sinful behavior.  There is life for me because of Christ.  He took all the pain and death that rightfully should have been mine and bore it Himself.  Because of Him I am born again!

The time has arrived as “today is the day of salvation!” (II Corinthians 6:2)  My prayer is that today, family members and friends will “exit the womb” to new birth, forgiveness and new life!