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.
Showing posts with label Bride of Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bride of Christ. Show all posts
Monday, April 4, 2011
Friday, May 21, 2010
May 21, 2010 Extravagant Love
I'm always so moved by the story of Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet. It was intuitive, it was humble, it was costly, it was intimate, it was symbolic, it was prophetic. It was an extravagant outpouring of love and gratitude, with no thought of herself. It could not be missed.
The fragrance permeated the house. It must have lingered for days! Not a soul there could have been unaware of it. Mary's action would have caused a reaction in everyone: some would have been touched, others angry. Jesus was so moved that He made sure that act of love was memorialized for all time. I would love to touch His heart that much-- wouldn't you?
When we live our life in loving surrender and worship of our Lord Jesus, holding nothing back, we give a gift more precious than a life savings. Each person has a different offering, but when given freely from the heart, it is precious to Him. To give oneself in extravagant worship is to touch the Lord's heart. It creates a mutual experience that lingers. The by-product is that the atmosphere of our life is a compelling fragrance that others, depending on their heart condition, are either drawn to or repelled by. One thing is certain. Jesus loves it!
Jesus loves us extravagantly, doesn't He? Let's return His love.
The fragrance permeated the house. It must have lingered for days! Not a soul there could have been unaware of it. Mary's action would have caused a reaction in everyone: some would have been touched, others angry. Jesus was so moved that He made sure that act of love was memorialized for all time. I would love to touch His heart that much-- wouldn't you?
When we live our life in loving surrender and worship of our Lord Jesus, holding nothing back, we give a gift more precious than a life savings. Each person has a different offering, but when given freely from the heart, it is precious to Him. To give oneself in extravagant worship is to touch the Lord's heart. It creates a mutual experience that lingers. The by-product is that the atmosphere of our life is a compelling fragrance that others, depending on their heart condition, are either drawn to or repelled by. One thing is certain. Jesus loves it!
Jesus loves us extravagantly, doesn't He? Let's return His love.
Friday, March 5, 2010
March 5, 2010
I come to the Scriptures to meet with Jesus and hear from Him! When I do this, I come away feeling enriched and strengthened. If I don't (meaning I just approached the Bible-reading as a religious habit or obligation), I tend to feel irritated, impatient, confused or bored-- especially when reading such Old Testament books as Leviticus and Numbers! And if I did not allow the Spirit of Truth to aid me in my studies, I would very often end up in error. I am glad the Spirit is always available to lead us into all truth, and to reveal Christ in His Word. I put my confidence in Him.
Even the Jews of Jesus' day had trouble understanding the Scriptures they were brought up with. In the Mark passage, Jesus said that the Sadducees (learned men of the Book) were wrong because "you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God." Mark 2:24 On the other hand, He commended the wisdom of the scribe and said, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." 12:34 Jesus distillation of the Commandments gives us a good template with which to begin studying the Scriptures: how does this passage help me love the Lord my God with my whole being, and what does it teach me about loving others? 12:29
When I see the Law books as a vivid and symbolic expression of God's heart, they become as revelatory to me as Revelations or the Prophets. Did you see, in the Numbers description of the "test for faithfulness," the holy jealousy of the Lord over His Bride? Have you ever experienced His written Word becoming a painful revelation of sin in your heart? I have! I am grateful that it doesn't stop there, and that Jesus took the curse Himself.
Jesus speaks prophetically over us: "you SHALL love the Lord your God with all your heart. . ." and He is bringing it to pass. He is drawing us to Himself, and His Word washes us clean. Although it often hurts, we are wise to keep coming back for more.
Even the Jews of Jesus' day had trouble understanding the Scriptures they were brought up with. In the Mark passage, Jesus said that the Sadducees (learned men of the Book) were wrong because "you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God." Mark 2:24 On the other hand, He commended the wisdom of the scribe and said, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." 12:34 Jesus distillation of the Commandments gives us a good template with which to begin studying the Scriptures: how does this passage help me love the Lord my God with my whole being, and what does it teach me about loving others? 12:29
When I see the Law books as a vivid and symbolic expression of God's heart, they become as revelatory to me as Revelations or the Prophets. Did you see, in the Numbers description of the "test for faithfulness," the holy jealousy of the Lord over His Bride? Have you ever experienced His written Word becoming a painful revelation of sin in your heart? I have! I am grateful that it doesn't stop there, and that Jesus took the curse Himself.
Jesus speaks prophetically over us: "you SHALL love the Lord your God with all your heart. . ." and He is bringing it to pass. He is drawing us to Himself, and His Word washes us clean. Although it often hurts, we are wise to keep coming back for more.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
March 2, 2010
I love Psalm 45 and it's beautiful description of our glorious King-- and of the Bride! Don't you? It has advice to her on how to please Him as well. As I meditate on this, my love for Him is increased, as is my desire to be seated with Him to rule and reign.
It seems that James and John, the sons of Zebedee, had a glimpse into this calling, but perhaps their desire was not pure-- worldly ambition tingeing the dream. Isn't this true of all of us to one extent or another? If we want to "qualify," then, we'll follow Jesus' clear instructions. He led the way Himself, for He "came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many." Mark 10:45 It is not the way we picture a King preparing to take his throne, is it?
Jesus is the Way, and as we walk in Him, we will have our motives purified in the baptism of fire, we will drink a cup of suffering with Him as we follow Him in service, and we will be changed into His image and likeness as we submit to His leading, until we are humble and habitually lay down our lives as He did. He will make us ready to sit with Him if we are willing to walk with Him, stand up for Him, and bow down to Him.
It seems that James and John, the sons of Zebedee, had a glimpse into this calling, but perhaps their desire was not pure-- worldly ambition tingeing the dream. Isn't this true of all of us to one extent or another? If we want to "qualify," then, we'll follow Jesus' clear instructions. He led the way Himself, for He "came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many." Mark 10:45 It is not the way we picture a King preparing to take his throne, is it?
Jesus is the Way, and as we walk in Him, we will have our motives purified in the baptism of fire, we will drink a cup of suffering with Him as we follow Him in service, and we will be changed into His image and likeness as we submit to His leading, until we are humble and habitually lay down our lives as He did. He will make us ready to sit with Him if we are willing to walk with Him, stand up for Him, and bow down to Him.
Monday, February 22, 2010
February 22, 2010
The Leviticus passage seemed strange and irrelevant until I looked at it from a spiritual standpoint. Then it reminded me of our High Priest, Jesus Christ, who is working to make His Bride pure and holy and without spot or blemish.
I think it's pretty normal to notice every little blemish or wrinkle, pimple or rash, wonder what it is and want to get rid of it. This is true in the natural, and in the spiritual too. We are built to want perfection, aren't we?
I used to get so frustrated with my imperfections, when I was younger-- so much so that I became anorexic trying to "control" my body. But the more we try to control things and fix our imperfections, the worse they seem to get. For one thing, we often can't even tell what are actually imperfections, as many of us don't accept ourselves the way God made us. This goes for our physical bodies as well as our psychological and spiritual make up.
Often we can't discern whether something is a serious problem, or just something that will go away on its own. We tend to run to an expert for a diagnosis to assuage our worries. I was also a very anxious hypochondriac as a young woman, until I learned to go to Jesus for a diagnosis. This was very necessary for me, as I was always having one problem or another, and it was very expensive and embarrassing to go to the doctor and find out nothing was wrong with me-- except nerves!! I got a LOT of practice listening to the Lord, and getting His reassurance that I wasn't going to die that day!
I think we have the same issue with sin-- and I'm talking about "missing the mark", not just something obvious spelled-out in Scripture. Whether we have an overbearing conscience and always think we're doing something wrong, or we have a blurry concept of right and wrong which allows us a lot of "sloppy grace", we tend to run to people to get their opinions on whether we are OK or not. This can really get us into trouble, depending on whose opinions we are seeking! There are lots of sources for false guilt, and well as many opportunities to feel justified when we are not.
Sure, we should be able to receive correction if we need it, and know how to get help when we are struggling, but as we grow, we should be finding it easier to be corrected by the Scriptures and by the nudges the Holy Spirit is constantly giving us. The best pastor or counselor is the one who teaches people to seek and hear the Lord for themselves.
What it comes down to is that Jesus, our faithful High Priest, who can scrutinize us closely without violating us in any way, is the only One who is authorized to decide if we are OK or not, including ourselves! We may hear something from another person through which the Holy Spirit may point out an issue and give help towards healing, but it's the Lord and the Spirit of Wisdom and Counsel that will speak to us. When we are His, we will know His voice. When we go to Him with something that's bothering us, He will show us what the problem is and what to do about it. That is part of intimacy.
Once we get used to the idea that Jesus sees everything about us, and stills loves us and accepts us, we will be quicker to go to Him and let His light reveal all. Sometimes He'll reveal that the thing we don't like about ourselves is something He created and will use. But if He reveals a problem or blemish, He will have the clear discernment of what it is and what is to be done about it, and He will treat us with love.
We can't fix ourselves or the rest of the Church, and make a Bride worthy of Him. But we can proclaim His purposes and His goodness and lead the way in pursuing His revealing truth. We will be brought into perfectly-pleasing-ness if we remain in Him.
I think it's pretty normal to notice every little blemish or wrinkle, pimple or rash, wonder what it is and want to get rid of it. This is true in the natural, and in the spiritual too. We are built to want perfection, aren't we?
I used to get so frustrated with my imperfections, when I was younger-- so much so that I became anorexic trying to "control" my body. But the more we try to control things and fix our imperfections, the worse they seem to get. For one thing, we often can't even tell what are actually imperfections, as many of us don't accept ourselves the way God made us. This goes for our physical bodies as well as our psychological and spiritual make up.
Often we can't discern whether something is a serious problem, or just something that will go away on its own. We tend to run to an expert for a diagnosis to assuage our worries. I was also a very anxious hypochondriac as a young woman, until I learned to go to Jesus for a diagnosis. This was very necessary for me, as I was always having one problem or another, and it was very expensive and embarrassing to go to the doctor and find out nothing was wrong with me-- except nerves!! I got a LOT of practice listening to the Lord, and getting His reassurance that I wasn't going to die that day!
I think we have the same issue with sin-- and I'm talking about "missing the mark", not just something obvious spelled-out in Scripture. Whether we have an overbearing conscience and always think we're doing something wrong, or we have a blurry concept of right and wrong which allows us a lot of "sloppy grace", we tend to run to people to get their opinions on whether we are OK or not. This can really get us into trouble, depending on whose opinions we are seeking! There are lots of sources for false guilt, and well as many opportunities to feel justified when we are not.
Sure, we should be able to receive correction if we need it, and know how to get help when we are struggling, but as we grow, we should be finding it easier to be corrected by the Scriptures and by the nudges the Holy Spirit is constantly giving us. The best pastor or counselor is the one who teaches people to seek and hear the Lord for themselves.
What it comes down to is that Jesus, our faithful High Priest, who can scrutinize us closely without violating us in any way, is the only One who is authorized to decide if we are OK or not, including ourselves! We may hear something from another person through which the Holy Spirit may point out an issue and give help towards healing, but it's the Lord and the Spirit of Wisdom and Counsel that will speak to us. When we are His, we will know His voice. When we go to Him with something that's bothering us, He will show us what the problem is and what to do about it. That is part of intimacy.
Once we get used to the idea that Jesus sees everything about us, and stills loves us and accepts us, we will be quicker to go to Him and let His light reveal all. Sometimes He'll reveal that the thing we don't like about ourselves is something He created and will use. But if He reveals a problem or blemish, He will have the clear discernment of what it is and what is to be done about it, and He will treat us with love.
We can't fix ourselves or the rest of the Church, and make a Bride worthy of Him. But we can proclaim His purposes and His goodness and lead the way in pursuing His revealing truth. We will be brought into perfectly-pleasing-ness if we remain in Him.
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