Two Pictures of Marriage

Today I saw two beautiful word pictures of marriage, one in the Old Testament and one in the New.  It blessed me, so I thought I'd share them with you.

In the Old Testament, I saw a picture of the Bride and Groom at the moment of their wedding vows: "Today you have proclaimed the LORD to be your God, and that you will walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments, and His judgments, and that you will obey His voice. Also today the LORD has proclaimed you to be His special people, just as He promised you, that you should keep all His commandments, and that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, in praise, in name, and in honor, and that you may be a holy people to the LORD your God, just as He has spoken.” Deuteronomy 26: 16-19

We have an understanding that the Church is the Bride of Christ, but I don't think that takes away from Israel's special place in the Kingdom of God.  At this moment though, I'm seeing a prophetic picture of Christ and His Bride, which I believe will include all those Jews who receive Him as Lord and Savior.

There was something so majestic and sweet about this picture, so full of love and expectation~ the beginning of a new life together.  It shows Christ as the Head, honoring His Bride, and His Bride honoring Him as the Head.  This mutual commitment encompasses the Promised Land and all its blessings.

In the New Testament, I saw a more intimate look at the Bride and Groom.  This picture is applicable in the natural realm as well as in the spiritual realm.  It also reminds us that the Bride is not just one person, but a whole group of people set apart to Him to be His own.  I noticed two types of relating here: one so task oriented that intimacy is temporarily lost, and the other, so focused on intimacy that tasks at hand are temporarily forgotten.   These are issues often dealt with in earthly marriages, as well as in our relationship with the Lord.  Jesus didn't rebuke Martha for doing the tasks, just implied she'd be better off if she followed Mary's example and put intimacy first.  It's not only a female problem, of course, as men can often be too task oriented as well.  It is also more effective to pursue tasks when we have communed with the heart of God. 

In human relationships, some people more easily show love by "doing things" for their beloved, and this is often greatly appreciated, as it should be.  Jesus seemed to be more concerned about a fretful attitude, some resentment towards those not working, and maybe a feeling of not being appreciated. All these attitudes can accompany the service that people give to the Lord and to others.  Unfortunately, these attitudes detract from the service given and show some selfish motivations for the serving.   From this passage, and from my personal experience, it seems Jesus puts communication and intimacy above deeds of service.  The person with a "helps" gift is in just as much need of intimacy with the Lord, and is just as desired by the Lord, as a person with a "prophetic" gift.  It should be all about knowing Him and growing to be more like Him because we love Him.  Jesus certainly worked hard while He was on earth, but it all came from what He saw and heard from His Father.  And those of us who would rather just "be" with Him than do anything, will be empowered and motivated to work the works of God, His way, after soaking in His presence.

Men and women alike can, and must, learn to relate to Jesus according to His preferences.  When we do, we will be more able to set aside our natural preferences, so we do things in a manner and priority that please the Lord and greatly benefit our earthly spouse, as well as the Kingdom of God.  Not only will we grow in grace and gain preparation for the coming Marriage of the Lamb, we will be a blessing and a testimony of Christ in our earthly relationships.