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 slowly do we respond to His gentle impulses!..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.
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 on thy beautiful garments of joy."
But, alas! though called with tones of love to the blessed exercise of this comforting grace, we will not come.
We have been sitting on the doorstep of God's house, and He bids us advance into the banqueting hall and sup with Him,
but we decline the honor.
There are secret rooms not yet opened to us; Jesus invites us to enter them, but we hold back.
If we obey not the gentle drawings of His love, He will send affliction to drive us into closer intimacy with Himself. Have us nearer He will. What foolish children we are to refuse those bands of love, and so bring upon our backs that scourge of small cords, which Jesus knows how to use!"
Charles Spurgeon