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 7 of 13

LAW IS CONDUCIVE TO IDOLATRY
          I do not use "law" in the good sense. This is not the law written upon the heart, or that is loved and meditated upon by the godly. "Law," in this case, speaks of a means to righteousness. It is a covenant of works, as opposed to one of grace. Such an arrangement tends to drive men to false gods. This condition exists because the law-principle alienates us from God, driving us into the realm of the lie.

     When Law becomes the means of appropriating Divine favor, men resort to substitutes. Israel did, and so do those inclined to Law today. Under Law the conscience becomes defiled, excluding one from the presence of the Almighty. Without further elaborating on this condition, it may be seen among professed believers with legalistic tendencies. They tend to trust more in routines,  positions, and heritage (all idols), than the Living God.
     
A Serious Text
     Make no mistake about this; in this text we confront a glaring contradiction to the thrust of the contemporary church! The Spirit witnesses of a time when the emphasis would pass from "Master" to "Husband;" from "Lord" to "Lover;" from "authority" to "fellowship." 

     There is an alarming amount of talk in the church these days about "making Jesus your Lord." It sounds holy, but it is not. It has a ring of godliness, but it is not from Him. God has already made Jesus Lord. As it is written, "God hath made that same Jesus . . . both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). The "now that He is your Savior, make Him your Lord" froth that is being spewed out of pulpits today contradicts the promise of Hosea. It allows for people to be saved that are disconnected from Jesus--and that is not possible. It permits people to live  in aloofness from the Lord and imagine they are still accepted--and that is not the truth!  The day will come, the Lord promises, when you "will no longer" call Me "my master."
     
Submission Is Not Obsolete
     Let no one suppose that submission is no longer in place, or that Jesus becomes a "buddy" to the "body!" He remains Lord, and we remain submitted--but it is on another basis. He no longer demands our affection, He has obtained it! We are no longer intimidated by His presence, we rely upon it. That is the effect of regeneration.

     Israel once bowed the knee to idols, but Hosea promises they would eventually embrace their God! What a blessed transition, and it occurs to everyone who is "baptized into Christ" (Gal 3:26-27). Such do not bow from fear, but in thanksgiving. They do not serve out of obligation, but out of fervent desire. Their hearts have been turned to their Lord, and they are happy about the transaction.
     
A Time of Unparalleled Peace
     God promises the new association of His people with Himself will be attended by peace. With beautiful language He foretells the blessings those in Christ now enjoy. "In that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the creatures that move along the ground. Bow and sword and battle I will abolish from the land, so that all may lie down in safety" (Hos 2:18). That is a peace that passes understanding!

PRAYER POINT: Father, I remember what is was like to attempt to serve You out of intimidating fear. How I praise Your name for giving me a new hear--on that longs for Your presence and blessing. Thank You for allowing me to be betrothed to Your Son.

-- TOMORROW: AN UNSAVORY PRINCIPLE WITHIN --