Today's Verse: Hosea 2:19-20

Friday, February 19, 2016

I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God longed for Israel to be faithful to him. Despite their unfaithfulness in the past, God offered his people forgiveness and hope, again and again, so they could be restored to a relationship with him. Now God reaches out to his New Covenant people, Jesus' church, and offers this promise because of Jesus' Passion and resurrection. Since the Lord was willing to pay such an incredibly high price to betroth us (2 Corinthians 11:2-3) to himself, forever, in love, righteousness, and justice, we MUST respond with appreciation and obedience so we can celebrate the lavish wedding feast of Jesus and his bride (Revelation 19:9, 7-8). Let's acknowledge the Lord and live faithfully anticipating this glorious day!

My Prayer...

Dear Heavenly Father, God of compassion, forgive us, your people - both under the previous covenant and now under the New Covenant through Jesus. Forgive us for our unfaithfulness. Open our eyes to your gracious and steadfast love. Help us as we seek to respond with obedience to your love, faithfulness, righteousness, and love-based justice. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Hosea 2:19-20 — I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.