July 22
Charles Spurgeon · Faith's Checkbook
AN ETERNAL PLEDGE
"And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee
unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving kindness, and
in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness; and thou
shalt know the Lord." Hosea 2:19,20
Betrothment unto the Lord! What an honor and a joy! My soul, is Jesus
indeed thine by His own condescending betrothal? Then, mark, it is for
ever. He will never break His engagement, much less sue out a divorce
against a soul joined to Himself in marriage bonds.
Three times the Lord says, "I will betroth thee." What words He heaps
together to set forth the betrothal! Righteousness comes in to make the
covenant legal; none can forbid these lawful banns. Judgment sanctions
the alliance with its decree: none can see folly or error in the match.
Lovingkindness warrants that this is a love union, for without love
betrothal is bondage, and not blessedness. Meanwhile, mercy smiles, and
even sings; yea, she multiplies herself into "mercies," because of the
abounding grace of this holy union.
Faithfulness is the registrar, and records the marriage, and the Holy
Spirit says "Amen" to it, as He promises to teach the betrothed heart
all the sacred knowledge needful for its high destiny. What a promise!