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)
                                
Devotion 2 of 13
PAUL'S EXPERIENCE
     Again, this text unveils the superiority of grace over law, and faith over works. As will be developed in this series, "Ishi" means "My Husband," and "Baali" means "My Master." The prophecy is, then, of a time when God's people would view Him as their "Husband," and not as their "Master." I know this is intimidating for some, but this IS what God said.

     Paul wrote of his reaction to the Law prior to life in Christ. "For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died" (Rom 7:9). The "life" to which Paul refers was not real spiritual life, but the false confidence generated by outward conformity to the Law. It was the "Baali" relationship. When Paul realized "the commandment" also dealt with the inner man ("thou shalt not covet"), he was struck down to the ground. In his own words, "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead" (Rom 7:8). Rather than the Law enabling him to overcome sin, it awakened the sin principle that slumbered within. This was accomplished by defiling the conscience with guilt. The awareness of moral flaw drives one away from the Lord, where sin becomes a ruthless tyrant. 

     It is necessary to be refreshed concerning the reality of these things if we are to appreciate our condition in Jesus Christ. Unless the people hear about the blessings and benefits to which Christ brings them, the requirement of holiness will overwhelm them. Righteousness will seem beyond their grasp, and they will faint by the way! Instruction in righteousness is essential, but it must be given in the context of salvation by grace through faith.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I know the power of the Law to condemn, and to defile the conscience. How I praise You for sending Christ to remove sin and bring an end to the Law as a means to righteousness! Now, in Jesus name, I ask you to strengthen me with power by Your Spirit, so Christ can dwell in my heart by faith.

-- TOMORROW: IS THERE HOPE FOR A DEAD CHURCH? --