Monday, August 24, 2009

All the difference

Hosea 2:16 - "In that day," declares the Lord, "you will call me 'my husband'; you will no longer call me 'my master.'

How clear is that distinction? Master v. Husband. One rules over you and tells you what to do. One loves, cares and sacrifices for you. One is supreme authority that cannot be questioned. One is a partner.

How unique is the Christian's relationship with God? How different is it than that of any other religious system? The word used here for "Master" is the same word for "Baal," one of the leading other gods of the time. Other religions have merciful gods or powerful gods or intelligent gods or relatable gods or transcendent gods - we are the only ones with a loving God who calls us not his servants or worshippers or followers, but his children. For that we are more than lucky, we are blessed.

The difference between a master and a husband? Everything.

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