Not put away:
The idea of divorce or being put away, or sold for a price, is not what God wanted for his most precious creation. God always wanted us to pertain to something greater; to have a greater purpose. The gospel of John tells us that those who believe have the power to become God’s children (Jh 1:12). The apostle Paul tells us that we are no longer strangers, fellow citizens and members of God’s household (Eph 2:19). The scriptures tell us that God will not cast anyone out (Jh 6:37). So, the question is, if God does not cast anyone out, what causes us to leave? In ancient times, men could divorce their wives for any reason whatsoever. They would give their wives a divorce letter, and it was done. When people give themselves to God, he does not put them away for any reason. The bond that God has set for marriage, as stated in Genesis, “ Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh,” applies to God’s relationship with those who are his (Ge 2:24).
Isaiah 50:1-3
Thus saith the Lord, Where is the bill of your mother’s divorcement, whom I have put away? Or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.
2 Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? When I called, was there no one to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.
3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.
We belong to God (Ps 100:3). In ancient days, children could be used as collateral. If a family did not have any money to pay their bill collectors, the parents would give their children as payment. Because God is not in debt, he does not need to sell anyone. In fact, we were purchased for a price and not to be sold again (1Pt 1:18-19). The answer to the question, ” What causes us to leave?” We do. As the Lord told his people, “For your iniquities have ye sold yourselves.” It wasn’t that God wanted to sell and get rid of his people, but their conditions caused him to do it. God does not cast us out forever. Isaiah tells us that God came back and called out, but no one answered, as if the people had given up on God.
God’s hand is never shortened that it cannot redeem; he still saves (Ps 34:17). No matter how far we drift from God, with a strong arm, he brings us back as he did with Israel (Ps 136:11-12). The earth declares the glory of God, even the dried-up sea and rivers. The darkness over the earth by the eclipse also speaks of God’s mighty power. When God calls, it is because he is going to rescue.
John 1:12
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Ephesians 2:19
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
John 6:37
37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Genesis 2:24
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
1 Peter 1:18-19
18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Psalms 34:17
17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
Psalms 136:11-12
11 And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever: 12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.