“I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love.” — Hosea 11:4

Our heavenly Father often draws us with the cords of love; but ah! how backward we are to run towards Him! How slowly do we respond to His gentle impulses! He draws us to exercise a more simple faith in Him; but we have not yet attained to Abraham’s confidence; we do not leave our worldly cares with God, but, like Martha, we cumber ourselves with much serving. Our meagre faith brings leanness into our souls; we do not open our mouths wide, though God has promised to fill them. Does He not this evening draw us to trust Him? Can we not hear Him say, “Come, My child, and trust Me. The veil is rent; enter into My presence, and approach boldly to the throne of My grace. I am worthy of…

thy fullest confidence,cast thy cares on Me. Shake thyself from the dust of thy cares, and put onthy beautiful garments of joy.” But, alas! though called with tones of loveto the blessed exercise of this comforting grace, we will not come. Atanother time He draws us to closer communion with Himself. We havebeen sitting on the doorstep of God’s house, and He bids us advance intothe banqueting hall and sup with Him, but we decline the honour. Thereare secret rooms not yet opened to us; Jesus invites us to enter them, butwe hold back. Shame on our cold hearts! We are but poor lovers of oursweet Lord Jesus, not fit to be His servants, much less to be His brides,and yet He hath exalted us to be bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh,married to Him by a glorious marriage-covenant. Herein is love! But it islove which takes no denial. If we obey not the gentle drawings of His love,He will send affliction to drive us into closer intimacy with Himself. Haveus nearer He will. What foolish children we are to refuse those bands oflove, and so bring upon our backs that scourge of small cords, which Jesusknows how to use!

To make sure you never miss an episode, please subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts.

Producer: Todd Adkins
Voice Artist: Ian Cullen