Covenant Relationship Restored

Promise of a New Covenant

Hosea 2:16-20 The Message

16-20 “At that time”—this is God’s Message still—
    “you’ll address me, ‘Dear husband!’
Never again will you address me,
    ‘My slave-master!’
I’ll wash your mouth out with soap,
    get rid of all the dirty false-god names,
    not so much as a whisper of those names again.
At the same time I’ll make a peace treaty between you
    and wild animals and birds and reptiles,
And get rid of all weapons of war.
    Think of it! Safe from beasts and bullies!
And then I’ll marry you for good—forever!
    I’ll marry you true and proper, in love and tenderness.
Yes, I’ll marry you and neither leave you nor let you go.
    You’ll know me, God, for who I really am.

For Reflection

In Hosea's time, wives called their husbands "Lord or Master," a title which suggested slavery or an adulterous relationship. God prefers a title which suggests service through affection rather than fear.  Neither does God want his people by the works they speak to fall into idolatry. (This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, "Watch your mouth!")

Pray

Pray that you will behave in ways that will not dishonor God.  Pray that your response to God is born out of love and not out of fear. Pray that you will seek to know God as God really is.

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