GOD, OUR LOVER NOT RIVAL.
*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*GOD, OUR LOVER NOT RIVAL.*
*Scripture Treasure.*
Hosea 3:1 *Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine.*
*Insight and Highlight.*
Exd 20:3-5 *Thou shalt have no other gods before me......for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God,..."*
*Scripture Commentaries.*
God's relationship with His people is like a man who marries a young vigin.
God, as the bridegroom rejoices as a man bridegroom would rejoice because when the bride was single as a spinster, she was chaste, and now, being married to the groom, she will not be with another man for as long as both of them shall live.
Therefore, for as long as we are in a relationship with God, we are to be faithful to Him only. No other gods.
Israel, however, not only abandoned God, she prostituted.
Whenever we break our new covenant with God, we become prostitutes.
When we commit idolatry, God views it as adultery (Exd 23:37).
Any form of drawing away from God is considered as having 'another husband' other than God.
God is love and our lover. His love never fails (Psalm 136).
God is not a rival and must never be treated as one.
He does not mince words when He expresses His jealousy, Exd 20:5.
Many claim to love God, but cheat on Him. Many disclaim Satan but serve him.
The question God may be asking such people is, 'Why cheat on someone you do not want to lose with someone you do not want to keep'.
Solomon further explains the strength of love when it is strong. It tells us that only death can separate love. Songs of Solomon 8:6 says *'...for love is strong as death....'*
It further tells us love is jealously guided by the lover, and the jealous lover can be cruel enough to kill anyone who violates his heartthrob.
Prov 6: 34 *For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.*
*He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.*
Such are the consequences of violating God's love as a Lover.
Esteem God as your lover. He is not a rival.
*Remorse corner.*
When we betray God as our lover, we have betrayed Him
*Call to Word action.*
Jeremiah 3:20 *But as a woman may betray her husband, so you have betrayed Me, O house of Israel," declares the LORD.*
*The Christian clarion duty.*
God is ever stretching His hands as a faithful Husband loving an unlovable wife and waiting for her to return to Him.
Let us return to our lover, Jesus Christ.
*Prayer*
Lord, let all backsiders return to their fist love. Let those who already know You never go back on Your love in Jesus name.
Good morning all, and have a blessed day today.
God bless you.