Please read Hosea 2.
www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/hos/2/1/s_864001
Meditate on verses 19-20.
“I will betroth you to Me forever.
Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice,
in lovingkindness and in compassion,
and I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the LORD.”
Baal worship came from Phoenicia and was based upon the agricultural seasons and rain cycles. Baal worshippers believed he was the fertility god. He sent rain, made the crops grow, and caused animals and humans to be born. When the rains stopped, his followers believed he had been killed. In order to bring Baal back to life, the followers needed to create enough positive energy for his mistress, Anath, to love him and resuscitate him so he would send rain and bring more fertility.
These beliefs made great business at the local Baal worship centers with many priests and temple prostitutes on staff. In Israel, the locals took worship of Yahweh and made it the worship of Baal. They credited Baal for what God gave them. Notice God’s sorrowful response in Hosea 2:13: “I will punish her for the days of the Baals when she used to offer sacrifices to them and adorn herself with her earrings and jewelry, and follow her lovers, so that she forgot Me.”
In spite of Israel’s adulteries, God shows endless compassion and undying love for her. He allures her and speaks kindly to her. He wants her to call Him Ishi which means “my husband.” He promises to make the heavens and the earth respond so there is food, wine, and oil. Only God can meet Israel’s needs!
God extends that same compassion and love to you. He desires to draw you to Himself. God wants to bring life to you. No other person, job, status, or measure of security can take care of you. He wants to eternally provide for you as His bride. No one else can be God but God.
Pray Hosea 2:19-20 and 23 over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).
“LORD let _________ and me be betrothed to You forever.
Betroth us in righteousness and in justice,
in lovingkindness and in compassion.
Betroth us to You in faithfulness.
Then we will know You, LORD.
Sow us for Yourself in the land.
Have compassion on ________ who has not obtained compassion.
Say to those who were not Your people,
‘You are My people!’
For the sake of Your name, Jesus~”
The WATCHMAN on the WALL ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell
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