The Daily Office for October 6, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
Today's Old Testament reading from Hosea portrays Israel as a youth upon whom judgment must tragically fall because of continuous faithlessness. Up to this point in the book, the emphasis has been primarily upon Israel’s disobedience and consequent judgment; but from here on the emphasis is upon the Lord’s love for Israel, in spite of continued disobedience.
God’s love for Israel can be traced back to its very beginnings when as a "child" Israel was enslaved in Egypt and God delivered the people because of His eternal love for them. Israel and Jesus were alike in that both were the objects of the love of the Father. Both were called "my son." But Israel and Jesus were different in that Israel was an earthly people of God while Jesus was the eternal Son of God.
The purpose in the Spirit’s leading Matthew to apply this reference to our Lord is not to deny any historical fulfillment to the nation, but rather to show the beautiful identification of the Son of God with the historical people of God. Both had a peculiar relationship with the Father not experienced by anyone else nationally (in the case of Israel) or personally (in the case of Jesus).
Collect for the Day
Lord, give to your people grace to hear and keep your word that, after the example of your servant William Tyndale, we may not only profess your gospel but also be ready to suffer and die for it, to the honour of your name; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.