July 22
AN ETERNAL PLEDGE
"And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee
unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving kindness, and
in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness; and thou
shalt know the Lord." Hosea 2:19 , 20
Betrothment unto the Lord! What an honor and a joy! My soul, is
Jesus indeed thine by His own condescending betrothal? Then, mark, it
is for ever. He will never break His engagement, much less sue out a
divorce against a soul joined to Himself in marriage bonds.
Three times the Lord says, "I will betroth thee." What words He
heaps together to set forth the betrothal! Righteousness comes in to
make the covenant legal; none can forbid these lawful banns. Judgment
sanctions the alliance with its decree: none can see folly or error in
the match. Lovingkindness warrants that this is a love union, for
without love betrothal is bondage, and not blessedness. Meanwhile,
mercy smiles, and even sings; yea, she multiplies herself into
"mercies," because of the abounding grace of this holy union.
Faithfulness is the registrar, and records the marriage, and the
Holy Spirit says "Amen" to it, as He promises to teach the betrothed
heart all the sacred knowledge needful for its high destiny. What a
promise!