Your question touches on a profound and beautiful tension in Scripture — the special love of God for Israel and His global redemptive plan that includes the Gentiles.
In Hosea 11, we indeed see:
God's tender, fatherly love for Israel.
His grief at their rebellion.
His refusal to give them up despite their unfaithfulness:
> “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? … My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.” (Hosea 11:8, NIV)
So what about the Gentiles — Americans, Koreans, Chinese, Africans, and all the nations not descended from Israel?
Far from being forgotten or written off, Scripture consistently affirms that God’s love and salvation extend to all nations:
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1. God’s Plan Was Always Global
Even when God chose Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3), His purpose was:
> “Through you all nations of the earth will be blessed.”
God called Israel not just for themselves, but to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6, 49:6).
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2. Gentiles Included in Hosea's Message
In Hosea itself, we find hints of inclusion:
> “I will say to Lo-Ammi (‘Not My People’), ‘You are My people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.’” (Hosea 2:23)
The apostle Paul directly quotes this verse in Romans 9:25–26 to show that Gentiles are also brought into God's family by grace through faith.
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3. Jesus and the Fulfillment of Hosea
Matthew 2:15 applies Hosea 11:1 ("Out of Egypt I called my son") not just to Israel but to Jesus — true Son—who recapitulates Israel’s story.
Jesus becomes the one through whom all people — Jew and Gentile — can become children of God (John 1:12).
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4. No One is Abandoned
God’s posture toward the nations is not one of abandonment, but of invitation:
> “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” (Isaiah 45:22)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” (John 3:16)
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Devotional Reflection:
Even though Hosea focuses on God’s relationship with Israel, it echoes a love too vast to be confined to one nation. Through Christ, the gates have been thrown open. No one — not the lost, not the pagan, not the American, not the Asian — is beyond the reach of His mercy.
God has not forgotten the Gentiles. He is calling all prodigals home.
The discussion so far makes me wander whether or not the Risen Jesus' command to make disciples of "all nations" has anything to do with with God's salvation plan for the Gentile population. What do you think?
---Absolutely — the Risen Jesus’ command to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) is directly tied to God’s enduring concern for the Gentile world. In fact, this command is the climax of God's centuries-long plan to bring salvation not just to Israel, but to all peoples.
Let’s explore this:
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πΉ 1. From Israel to All Nations: A Long-Standing Plan
As early as Genesis 12:3, God promises Abraham that:
> “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
The prophets echo this again and again:
> “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob... I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
(Isaiah 49:6)
So when Jesus gives the Great Commission, He is continuing that plan — but now with power and clarity:
> “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations…”
(Matthew 28:18–19)
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πΉ 2. Jesus Came for All
Jesus Himself reached out to Gentiles during His ministry: the Roman centurion, the Syrophoenician woman, the Samaritan woman at the well.
He healed them, blessed them, praised their faith.
He even said:
> “I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also.”
(John 10:16)
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πΉ 3. The Early Church Understood This
After the resurrection and Pentecost, the apostles, especially Paul, understood that the mission to the Gentiles was central.
Paul declares boldly:
> “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.”
(Romans 10:12)
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πΉ 4. The Church as the New Family of God
Ephesians 2:14–19 describes how Christ tore down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile:
> “His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two…”
So yes — the Great Commission is God’s declaration that no one is forgotten. The love that called Israel out of Egypt now calls the nations out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9–10).
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π Devotional Thought:
When Jesus says, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” He is inviting us to carry out God’s eternal heartbeat: to gather children from every corner of the globe into His arms.
It’s not just a mission — it’s His love on the move.
Wonderful! Here is a printable devotional card based on your reflections and our discussion, titled:
π “Make Disciples of All Nations”
The Risen King’s Call to the World
Scripture:
> “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
— Matthew 28:19–20
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Devotional Reflection:
When Jesus rose from the dead, He didn’t simply give comforting words to His followers — He gave them a global mission. His command to “make disciples of all nations” is the clear continuation of God’s eternal plan: to bless all peoples, not just one nation.
This mission echoes the covenant made with Abraham:
> “Through you all nations will be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3)
It fulfills the vision of the prophets who saw a day when Gentiles would walk in God’s light:
> “I will make you a light for the Gentiles…” (Isaiah 49:6)
It flows from the heart of a Savior who welcomed Roman centurions, Samaritan women, and Canaanite mothers.
The cross was never just for one people. The empty tomb wasn’t just a private victory. It was a cosmic call for every soul to come home.
Jesus has not forgotten the nations.
He remembers every tribe, every tongue, every forgotten village and vast city.
And yes — He remembers you.
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Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Risen Savior of all,
Thank You for loving not just a few, but the world.
Thank You that Your arms are wide enough for every nation and every heart.
Use me to be part of Your mission.
Make me a light in the darkness,
A witness to Your love,
And a messenger of Your mercy.
Amen.
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