The Faithful One

I posted this quote a few days ago, and it won't leave my mind.

"Upon a life I did not live, upon a death I did not die, I stake my whole eternity." Horatius Bonar

I'll never understand why God loves me. I recently taught the story of Hosea to one of the classes at Covenant. I talked to them about God comparing his love for his people to that of a husband who welcomes his wife after she cheats on him. I see my life. I'm that cheating wife. My heart is prone to wander. I look for peace and joy in so many other places. There is a verse in Hosea where God tells Israel he taught them to walk and they ran away from him. As much as I'd like to condemn them, my heart is condemned as the story makes me look in the mirror.

So as I contemplate Easter, I'm thankful and in wonder. I do not understand why he made me, much less came to save me. I do not understand how he could love me as his bride or son. I'm thankful for the Faithful Husband who gives me all that is his and hides me in him. I'm thankful for the Faithful Father who has adopted me and made me his own. I'm thankful he rushes to rescue me, kiss me, and hold me. It is only his kindness that even leads me to repentance.

As I was writing this post, the song 'Wedding Dress' by Derek Webb came to mind. It is my story. It is the story of God's people. As you listen, be moved by the wonder of the gospel. Be moved by the faithful one who chases his wandering bride.

if you could love me as a wife
and for my wedding gift, your life
should that be all i’ll ever need
or is there more i’m looking for

and should i read between the lines
and look for blessings in disguise
to make me handsome, rich, and wise
is that really what you want

i am a whore i do confess
but i put you on just like a wedding dress
and i run down the aisle
i’m a prodigal with no way home
but i put you on just like a ring of gold
and i run down the aisle to you

so could you love this bastard child
though i don’t trust you to provide
with one hand in a pot of gold
and with the other in your side
i am so easily satisfied
by the call of lovers less wild
that i would take a little cash
over your very flesh and blood

because money cannot buy
a husband’s jealous eye
when you have knowingly deceived his wife

This is Derek Webb explaining the song and why he wrote it.