And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.
—Hosea 2:19-20 (KJV)
God longed for Israel to be faithful to him. Despite their unfaithfulness in the past, God offered his people forgiveness and hope, again and again, so they could be restored to a relationship with him. Now God reaches out to his New Covenant people, Jesus' church, and offers this promise because of Jesus' Passion and resurrection. Since the LORD was willing to pay such an incredibly high price to betroth us (2 Corinthians 11:2-3) to himself, forever, in love, righteousness, and justice, we MUST respond with appreciation and obedience so we can celebrate the lavish wedding feast of Jesus and his bride (Revelation 19:9, 7-8). Let's acknowledge the LORD and live faithfully anticipating this glorious day!
Dear Heavenly Father, God of compassion, forgive us, your people — both under the previous covenant and now under the New Covenant through Jesus. Forgive us for our unfaithfulness. Open our eyes to your gracious and steadfast love. Help us as we seek to respond with obedience to your love, faithfulness, righteousness, and love-based justice. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Hosea 2:19-20 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
God longed for Israel to be faithful to him. Despite their unfaithfulness in the past, God offered his people forgiveness and hope, again and again, so they could be restored to a relationship with him. Now God reaches out to his New Covenant people, Jesus' church, and offers this promise because of Jesus' Passion and resurrection. Since the LORD was willing to pay such an incredibly high price to betroth us (2 Corinthians 11:2-3) to himself, forever, in love, righteousness, and justice, we MUST respond with appreciation and obedience so we can celebrate the lavish wedding feast of Jesus and his bride (Revelation 19:9, 7-8). Let's acknowledge the LORD and live faithfully anticipating this glorious day!
My Prayer...
Dear Heavenly Father, God of compassion, forgive us, your people — both under the previous covenant and now under the New Covenant through Jesus. Forgive us for our unfaithfulness. Open our eyes to your gracious and steadfast love. Help us as we seek to respond with obedience to your love, faithfulness, righteousness, and love-based justice. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
