Israel, I can't let you go.

When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt. But as the saying goes, "The more they were called, the more they rebelled." They never stopped offering incense and sacrifices to the idols of Baal. I took Israel by the arm and taught them to walk. But they would not admit that I was the one who had healed them. I led them with kindness and with love, not with ropes. I held them close to me; I bent down to feed them. But they trusted Egypt instead of returning to me; now Assyria will rule them. War will visit their cities, and their plans will fail. My people are determined to reject me for a god they think is stronger, but he can't help. Israel, I can't let you go. I can't give you up. How could I possibly destroy you as I did the towns of Admah and Zeboiim? I just can't do it. My feelings for you are much too strong. Israel, I won't lose my temper and destroy you again. I am the Holy God-- not merely some human, and I won't stay angry. I, the LORD, will roar like a lion, and my children will return, trembling from the west. They will come back, fluttering like birds from Egypt or like doves from Assyria. Then I will bring them back to their homes. I, the LORD, have spoken! Israel is deceitful to me, their loyal and holy God; they surround me with lies, and Judah worships other gods. (Hosea 11 CEV)

What a great passage! It is such a powerful metaphor for God's relationship with us. This chapter is full of anguish and despair of a rejected parent and yet it so clearly shows His commitment to His people. He really does loves us like a mother loves her child.