The Bride of Christ

"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish." ~Ephesians 5:25-27

Last year I remember watching this video for the first time. I had never before heard anything like it. I do not recall ever hearing the parallels that were being compared, and it was so amazing to think about. After watching it though, as the year went by, I remember hearing this message repeated again, and again, and again. Maybe I had heard it before, maybe I had just been naive or wasn't paying very good attention. Whatever the case it was a lesson that God planted in my heart deeply this past year, and I would like to share some of what I have learned with you.

I love watching this video. There are many things that stick out to me, but I only want to share a few today. The first is, "One bought with a price." Luke 22:20 says, "In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.'" When I read this verse, I noticed a key word here. Do you see it? As I think about the parallels I noticed, "new covenant." 

Ancient Jewish Tradition: The bridegroom paid the bride price set by the father of the bride.

Our Relationship with Christ: Christ paid the price for His bride with His own blood.

Jesus made the new covenant in His blood.

So how does one determine the price? 

Proverbs 31:10 says, "An Excellent wife who can find for her worth is far above jewels." 

"The bride described in Proverbs had a price that was far above rubies she was an honored and loved daughter....she would be a valuable asset to her husband, so her father would require a very high price of the groom in order to attain her." ("Restore My Heart" Denise Glenn) Our heavenly Bridegroom choose us as His bride. The one who would bring Him honor, who would be the completion of His love. However, we are a sinful, unfaithful bride, and He paid more than rubies for us. He saw us worth that much. He was worth every drop. "Christ paid with something far more precious than jewels. Our Father in heaven set the highest imaginable bride price, complete payment for our debts every sin to be blotted out." (Mary & Elisa Abele) We have been redeemed, renewed through His great love.

"Or do you not know that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit that is in you, whom you have from God. You are not your own. For you have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God with your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Ancient Jewish Tradition: The father often chose the bride for the bride his son.
Our Relationship with Christ: Our heavenly Father chose us to be the Bride for His Son.

Ephesians 1:3-4, "Blessed be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." 
Who initiated this relationship, our relationship with God? When did God choose you for His Son? God chose you - not by accident, and He chose you before the foundation of the world! 
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit." 
~John 15:16

He chose you, He accepts you, and He renews you.

"Your holiness does not demand your perfect performance. It does not require a super talent. It does not insist on a flawless past. What it does ask is that you lay your life at the foot of the cross of Jesus, to die to your own agenda and to live only to please Him." (Mary & Elisa Abele) So go out and bear good fruit. Live everyday preparing as if your Bridegroom were returning tomorrow. Because He could. Keep your lamps full and waiting. Spend everyday digging deep into God's word. And spend everyday making a difference for God's kingdom.

"Let no your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." 

~John 14:1-3

Quiet Times

"When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God of Heaven's Armies."

-Jeremiah 15:16

Over the years I have had many times when I have spiritually felt overflowing. However there have also been times in my life when I have closed my Bible in prayer feeling dry. As if everything I had just read had just been me fumbling through the pages. I couldn't hear the Lord leading me. I knew He was there, always, but I couldn't feel Him. 

Through these spiritual peaks and valley's I have learned many things. One of the most important it to be persistent. Despite a peak or valley it is important for me to stay in the word. "But he answered, 'It is written, "'Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."' (Matthew 4:4) Our hearts long for continual communion with God.
 

It can get difficult to stay consistent in life's busy schedule. Every morning after my quiet time with the Lord I share a verse or a couple of verses with a friend. Sometimes through text, or email, or letters. Not only have I found that this a great way to encourage my friend, but it is also a way for me to keep myself accountable, having a responsibility to uphold. This friend can be a sibling, parents, classmate, kindred spirit, etc.

I have found the best way to study is to go through a book of the Bible, rather then reading a daily devotional book. I do read those as well sometimes. I especially love a devotional I have by Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost For His Highest". What I love about reading through whole books is that I get the whole picture. When choosing a book(s) I will pray, and let the Lord direct. His direction is not always obvious, sometimes He speaks through elders, or friends, or it is just a worldly "accident", or a leap of faith. But what we sees as detours, God see as design. :)

As I am writing I am reading through the book of Romans. I am digging deep into this study, and spending time reading commentaries on Romans, as well as listening to sermons as I do my chores, or clean, etc.. John Piper does an excellent job speaking through this book, I listen to him often. But of course God it the best leader through His word. 
Starting the day off in the word helps to guide me through the day making straight my paths. In those times of busy mornings, and forgetful flesh, however I have had many awe awakening times with the Lord before my eyes close at night as well. The most important thing is to be in the word constantly. 
His word will, and does, change your life. And His word will, and does, change other's lives as well.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 

- 2 Corinthians 5:17