WHEN BAALI BECOMES ISHI

"And it shall be at that day, saith the LORD, that thou shalt call me Ishi; and shalt call me no more Baali." (Hosea 2:16 The nature of life in Christ is most marvelous. A transformation takes place that is remarkable. The commandments of God are no longer "grievous" or burdensome (1 John 5:3). With our minds we serve the law of God, willingly and gladly (Rom 7:25). As we press close to Christ, we develop a hatred for sin and a love for righteousness. The world becomes repulsive to us, and we long for our inheritance that is "reserved in heaven for us" (1 Pet 1:4). How glorious it is to be in Christ, saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-10). The people in Hosea's time were not this kind of people. They had prostituted their affection, playing the spiritual harlot with other "lovers" (Hosea 2:10,12-13). How will God deal with their waywardness? How will He affect a change in them? The answer is arresting. "Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her" (v 14). He will tell them of His indefatigable love, pointing to Himself with wondrous words. He will "allure" or "draw" the wayward people into a place of desolation, where they will sense their need of Him. He will bring them to a point where they will not be able to find solace in the hands of their idolatrous lovers. As it is written, "And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find them: then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now" (Hos 2:7). Do you doubt, dear reader, that God can do such a thing. Many of us are living testimonies to the effectiveness of this Divine working. When brought into a desolate place, He opened to us a "door of hope" (Hos 2:15). He showed us a "way in the wilderness" (Isa 43:19), a "way in the sea" (Isa 43:16), and "streams in the desert" (Isa 35:6). Once He has allured people into the wilderness, He can show them a "highway in the desert" (Isa 40:3; 35:5). Do not doubt this can occur--even to you! But our text says the change will result in His people calling Him Ishi, and not Baali. What does He mean? Baali means "Lord" or "Master", and Ishi means "husband." Later versions read, "you will call Me 'My Husband,' And no longer call Me 'My Master'" (NKJV, NIV). What is the difference between the names? "Baali" speaks of Law, and "Ishi" speaks of grace. "Baali" speaks of slavish servitude without the involvement of the heart. "Ishi" speaks of joyful relationship. "Baali" speaks of withdrawing fear, and "Ishi" speaks of sacrificial love. Hosea prophesied of realities experienced in Christ Jesus. The Lord is seen as our Savior and Provider. Those who see Him as "My Husband" rely upon Him and joyfully do His bidding. The relationship of a husband is radically different than that of a master or lord. Make no mistake about this, Jesus remains our Lord, but the most sensitive relationship is that of a husband. The people of God are His bride, and He is their Husband. We are, in fact, "joined to the Lord," becoming "one spirit" with Him (1 Cor 6:17). Speaking of this relationship, Jesus once said to His disciples, "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you" (John 15:15). Precious relationship, indeed! Have you experienced this change? Have you come to see Him as "My Husband"? If not, you too can come into that affectionate identity with your Savior. It is only fair to tell you, however, that it is best seen from the desert, into which a loving Father allures you.

-- MONDAY: HE WHO BELIEVES ON ME --