July 22

An Eternal Pledge

So I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. And I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD. — Hos 2:19-20 BSB

To be betrothed to the Lord—what an honor and joy! My soul, has Jesus indeed claimed you as His own, by His gracious and condescending love? If so, remember this bond is forever. He will never break this engagement, nor will He ever seek a separation from the soul that is united to Him in this divine marriage.

The Lord repeats three times, “I will betroth you.” He piles up words to describe this sacred union: righteousness to make it legal, justice to give it authority, lovingkindness to ensure it is a relationship of love and not mere obligation, and mercy to overflow and abound in this holy covenant.

Faithfulness records the union, and the Holy Spirit seals it, teaching our hearts all the sacred knowledge we need for this high calling. What a glorious promise!