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 8 of 13

PROPHETIC PROMISES
     The prophets spoke of an era when the relationship of the Lord to His people would be more affectionate than legal. It would be a time of profound love and commitment, as well as joy and satisfaction. "Your Maker is your husband. For your husband is your Maker, Whose name is the LORD of hosts; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, Who is called the God of all the earth" (Isa 54:5, NASB). 

     The concept of being married to the Lord was not common to Israel. They knew about serving God, being answerable to Him, and even fearing Him, but they did not know Him as a "Husband." Again, through the prophets, the Lord declared a time when that condition would change. "The land shall be called "Beulah" -- married. "It will no longer be said to you, "Forsaken," Nor to your land will it any longer be said, "Desolate"; But you will be called, "My delight is in her," And your land, "Married"; For the LORD delights in you, And to Him  your land will be married (Beulah, KJV)" (Isa 62:4, NASB). How different from  the relationship dictated under the old covenant. Under Law, desolation occurred. Under grace, spiritual fruitage would be realized. 
     
The Knowledge of Christ Jesus My Lord
     The term "husband" is an old testament word denoting the knowledge of God--personal acquaintance of and involvement with Him. Paul engaged in a fervent quest for this knowledge. Everything else was considered rubbish and off scouring compared with knowing Christ. "More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ" (Phil 3:8, NASB).

     The "surpassing value" of knowing Christ is virtually unknown in conservative religious circles.  It has been exchanged for prestige, supposed credentials, and the idol of fleshly enjoyment. But that does not change the realities of the Kingdom! The "ISHI" relationship is still available to those who  will engage in a hearty endeavor to obtain it! How refreshing is the invitation Christ gives, even to those dwelling in lukewarm environs: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me" (Rev 3:20).
     
My Helper
     As a "Husband," the Lord provides help and sustenance to His people--something the Law could not offer. "So that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT SHALL MAN DO TO ME?" (Heb 13:6, NASB). This help is not impersonal. It is not simply getting us out of difficult circumstances, only to once again leave us on our own. The Lord is our "Helper" like a husband that cherishes and cares for his wife (Eph 5:25-28).
     
My God
     The capacity of "Husband" accentuates the personal aspect of salvation. God is no longer viewed in disassociation from the individual. Unlike the ancients, those in Christ can refer to the Lord as "my God." "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world" (Rom 1:8, NASB). Even a casual acquaintance with the history of Israel confirms the rarity of this expression. Only  a few  prior to Christ spoke in such a manner. However, since Jesus' exaltation,  everyone in the covenant speaks in this manner!

PRAYER POINT: Father, I do not take for granted the gracious relationship you grant through Christ. I know that, as You declared in Your word, I have become dead to the Law, that I might be married to Another. I know this is by your grace alone, and in Jesus' name, I thank and bless You.

-- TOMORROW: A RECONCILIATION HAS OCCURRED --