A LIVING BOOK PART 2

 

One of the reasons why I believe  the Old Testament is a living book is because all the prophecies have not yet been fulfilled, least of all ‘the marital relationship’ between Jehovah and Israel:

“The Saviour commonly described his relationship with ancient Israel as a marriage. So when Israel descended into patterns of sustained disobedience to Jehovah’s commandments, Israel was “unfaithful”, like an unfaithful spouse. The Lord thus warned through Moses that Israel should not worship other gods, for Jehovah ‘is a jealous God’…..

“In expressing the permanence of his covenants with Israel, again the Lord used the language of marriage: “I will betroth thee unto me forever….and I will say to them….thou art my people, and they shall say, Thou art my God.” (Hosea 2:19,23) (Elder Bruce C. Hafen, “The Belonging Heart” p 142)

Until we, Israel, are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb, we are betroth to the Saviour (Revelation 19:7-9). In plain terms, we are in the ‘engagement period’ awaiting the wedding. And this is something of importance to us as we wait. Ancient betrothal was a legally binding agreement considered as serious and unbreakable as a marriage itself, with a formal divorce required for any separation. The Saviour already considers us His own because of the covenants we have made with Him…..hence He is a jealous God.

Why would the Saviour describe our relationship to Him through the metaphor of marriage? It’s all about love. There is a word in Hebrew which is difficult to render in English. It is usually translated as ‘steadfast love’. The Hebrew word is HESED. It is a covenant word that refers to the faithfulness or loyal love that binds two people together in covenant.

This love is motivated by an inner loyalty which arises out of the relationship itself and not by legal obligation. Such covenant love has the quality of constancy, firmness and steadfastness. It is a love you have for another that you would never break because of deep loyalty you feel towards them. This is the bride that the Saviour wants…..a deeply committed one grounded in love.

The only way to understand HESED is to understand God’s love for the House of Israel. The scriptures are replete with messages of love for us from the Saviour: we are chosen to be a special people above all people upon the face of the earth (Det 7:6); He would sacrifice others for Israel (Isaiah 43:1-7); He has redeemed us because we are His (Isaiah 43:1-3); Israel is ‘the apple of His eye’ (Det 32:9,10; Zechariah 2:8; Psalm 17:8).

And this is the pinnacle of His love: Even though we often wander and break our covenant with Him, the Saviour will NEVER break His covenant with us (Deuteronomy 4:31; Leviticus 26:44,46; Isaiah 49:15,16; 2 Kings 13:23). And this is why: “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands….” (Isaiah 49:16). This is HESED.

Such love as Yours

Burning bright in our hearts,

We will forever know.

Through highs and lows,

Through depths unknown,

Its flame we will carry with us

Wherever we go.

We await Thy call…..

 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Art: Sending Forth the Bride by Danny Hahlbohm)