The Church Compared to a Wife – Conclusion

What are you doing about the coming of the Bridegroom?  This is a question that I keep thinking about as a I help my daughter prepare for her big day this July.  I know brides today who wear the name of Christ yet spend thousands of dollars and scores of hours in preparation for the earthly wedding day, while making little or no preparation for the coming of the Lord. Sadly, I even know several brides who have left faithfulness to Christ in deference to earthly husbands who have no allegiance to the Father in the homeland. I am very thankful that neither of these is the case with our Hannah. If Rebekah had chosen to say no to the servant, she would have been rejecting great riches and a place in the royal bloodline of Jesus.  Ephesians five tells us that our bridegroom loved us enough to give Himself for us (Eph. 5: 25).  When we reject the Lord, we reject love in the extreme and we, too, reject a place in the royal family of Christ.

Your earthly marriage is one of vulnerability. Even at best, your bridegroom is fallible and there will be times when He will falter and disappoint you.  Ephesians five holds up a standard of love that will never be perfectly kept during this lifetime. But there is another Bridegroom who has already demonstrated His great love for you. While you were yet a sinner, He died for you (Rom. 5:8). He loved you and gave himself for you (Gal. 2:20). Don’t miss your amazing chance to be the bride in this amazing rags-to-riches love story.

II Corinthians 11:2

If I love You, I’ll believe You
Though what You’ve pledged is far away.
What You say about tomorrow
Is what’s real for me today.

If I love You, then I long
To hear Your strong, assuring voice.
I will trust You with my secrets;
Honor You in every choice.

If I love You, I’ll defend You
When others ridicule Your name.
If all the world denies You, still
I’ll  count but loss the shame.

If I love You, I will be there
Whenever You’re expecting me.
I will love whatever You love.
Where You are, I’ll long to be.

If I love You, I will trust You.
All my hopes on You rely.
But should faith and hope be passing,
Love abides to never die!