Hosea 11:1-4 
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, 
and out of Egypt I called my son. 
But the more they were called, 
the more they went away from me. 
They sacrificed to the Baals 
and they burned incense to images. 
It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, 
taking them by the arms; 
but they did not realize 
it was I who healed them. 
I led them with cords of human kindness, 
with ties of love. 
To them I was like one who lifts 
a little child to the cheek, 
and I bent down to feed them.” (NIV)

“I led Israel along 
with my ropes of kindness and love. 
I lifted the yoke from his neck, 
and I myself stooped to feed him.” (NLT)

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When I was a young teenager, I bought a bullwhip at Six Flags Over Texas. Somewhere along the way, they stopped selling those. I wonder why? 

Indiana Jones famously used one to great effect. The primary purpose of a bullwhip, for those who are over age 14, is to drive cattle. And where are we driving those cattle? Most often to the slaughterhouse. 

Aren’t you glad God doesn’t employ bullwhips? 

Instead, it says here that he uses cords of human kindness. The New Living Translation says, “I led Israel along with ropes of kindness and love.” 

Kindness is a better motivator than brute force any day. It may not always be the most effective motivator for every personality or demeanor, but it is the best. I would much rather you kindly explain what I did wrong or what I should do next than hit me with something that is definitely going to leave a mark. Again, I refer you to Indiana Jones. Remember how he got that scar below his bottom lip? 

A bullwhip is a serious tool. Kindness is equally serious and much better tolerated. 

There have been a couple of times this week when I felt like I needed a good beating with a bullwhip. Sometimes my attitudes are not all that they should be. How about you? 

I am grateful that our Father in Heaven chose kindness instead to draw me back into the right path. I love that the 23rd Psalm says in verse 2, “He leads me beside quiet waters.” And in verse 3 it says, “He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” (Highlights added.)

He does not drive us. He does not push us. He does not shove. 

He does pursue us. Verse 6 says, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.” The New Living Translation says, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.” 

Our Father in Heaven leads us and guides us. He follows us and pursues us. He never abandons us or forsakes us. 

God’s kindness and love are at work in your heart and mind right now. What is He saying to you? What destination is He pointing you toward? What purpose does he have for you right now and in the hours ahead today? If you’re not sure, ask Him. If you are sure, join Him.

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I will join God on today’s great adventure as he leads, guides, follows, and pursues me. 

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Our Father, thank you for leading me with cords of kindness and love. I don’t think my old heart could take the painful blasts of a bullwhip today. Your kindness leads us to repentance. Your kindness leads us into your perfect love. Your kindness reshapes our hearts and minds. Amen.