Hosea 11:8-9 “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you like Admah or demolish you like Zeboiim? My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows. No, I will not unleash my fierce anger. I will not completely destroy Israel, for I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you, and I will not come to destroy.” It’s easy for me to forget that God is full of emotion, too. I often think of His as very stoic, loving, stern, but never overly emotional. But these verses show a God who is anguished over the punishment His people deserve. I picture Him pacing in circles, tearing at his hair as tears stream down his face. His hands cover his eyes as he sits on the steps of His throne, his head hanging and shaking in frustration. He is a God in love who is deeply torn between the need to punish and the passion He, even now, feels towards His people. In the last line, God makes an interesting statement that He is not a mere mortal, but the Holy One living among us. This was before the time of Jesus, before the sending of the Holy Spirit. I’ve always assumed that God dwelt in the temple and not among the people… but maybe I’m wrong and God got out more often that I thought. This makes Him a much more personal Lord. He isn’t a mere mortal, He is God, and as such He can do anything He chooses. He is also not aloof high above and distant. He is living among us, and therefore, He knows what goes on in our lives. He’s personal, He’s loving, He compassionate, He’s in love, and He is full of emotion. I think that’s pretty amazing.