Significant Status Change!

When a guy and gal get married, they find themselves in a new category. They have new commitments, priorities, and responsibilities. They can no longer live carefree lives; just hanging out with friends and doing whatever catches their attention in the moment. Though married guys may still plan a night of watching a game together and married gals may go shopping or dining together, the new priority is a committed focus on each other. Delighting in each other, married couples are to devote themselves to each other in a giving and loving relationship. Also, as a wife takes on her husband's name and the two of them become "Mr." and "Mrs.", there is a new identity both share in the commitment to each other. To be married and live as though one were not would add no strength and stability to the relationship. In fact, such an approach would most likely destine the relationship for failure.

Recently reading through Isaiah I was struck by the following description of the relationship God desired to have with Israel.

"(4) You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but YOU SHALL BE CALLED MY DELIGHT IS IN HER, AND YOUR LAND MARRIED; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married. (5) For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you." ( Isaiah 62:4-5 ESV)

The nation had wandered away from faithfulness to God. However, God spoke of a renewal of His relationship with His people. No longer would they be called "Forsaken" or "Desolate", but would be called "My Delight Is In Her" and their land "Married" [Hebrew, "Beaulah"]. This signified not only ownership by God, but also implied His protection of them.

In verse two there was mention of them being "called by a new name" that would be given them by the Lord. Their identity was to be with Him. The commitment was to be with Him. They were to delight in God as He would delight in them. Acknowledging His faithfulness was to prompt theirs toward Him.

In Paul's second letter to the church at Corinth he stated. . .
"(2) For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I BETROTHED YOU TO ONE HUSBAND, to present you AS A PURE VIRGIN TO CHRIST." ( 2 Corinthians 11:2 ESV)

The redeemed (the church) are referred to as the Bride of Christ. (note Revelation 21:2 & 9) When we were united with Christ in baptism, we put on a new identity with Him as the baptism was in His Name. Our life became no longer our own, but His. A new relationship with new commitments, priorities, and responsibilities began. Are we delighting in that relationship to keep it holy and pure? May our life reflect sincere appreciation for the most significant relationship we can have.

Have a great day LIVING A LIFE IN WHICH THE LORD CAN DELIGHT!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Faithfulness