Shan Dai Advocacy

Hosea

March 23, 2007 on 1:01 pm | In His First Bible, Old Testament, PrayerGrams |

Dai weddings are festive. A dowry is paid to the bride’s parents, special clothes are worn, and an abundant feast is enjoyed by all. The happy bride, showing respect to her parents, cries as she is carried from her childhood home to the home of her husband’s family and the newlyweds begin their married life together. On the other side of the world, an American couple exchange vows: “I promise to remain faithful to you as long as our love shall last.” Not the most reassuring wedding vows ever spoken, yet vows like these characterize Israel’s situation when Hosea was a prophet of God. A covenant was made; God vowed to be Israel’s God and they vowed to be His people. But tragically the bride chose to prostitute herself with foreign idols breaking the promise time after time to her loving, faithful Husband. Married love is meant to be sacred, a symbol of Christ’s love for His bride, the Church. Lord, Shan Dai couples need You as foundational in their marriage. Father, please bless marriages around the world as husbands and wives seek to honor You by honoring their wedding covenant. So much is at stake. What joy there is from pleasing You and peace resides in going to bed at night faithful to promises kept. Thank You, Lord, for Your unchanging wedding vows: “I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the LORD” (Hosea 2:19-20). Lord, You indeed are compassionate, loving, and faithful.