|
January
12, 2004
THE
BRIDEGROOM
"The
bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the
bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when
he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it
is now complete" (John 3:29, NIV).
In Bible
times, the bridegroom was always the central figure in the
wedding ceremony. This fact is illustrated in the parable
of the ten virgins.
In the
Old Testament, the bridegroom is a popular symbol of happiness
and majesty. In this setting, Jehovah is often depicted as
the husband, or bridegroom, of Israel. This figure of speech
is descriptive of God's covenant relationship with His people
(see Isaiah 54:8; Jeremiah 31:32). Christ's application of
this title to Himself clearly identifies Him as the long-expected
Messiah. Here He is portrayed as the solicitous bridegroom
who loves His bride, the church, with an everlasting love.
The metaphor of the marriage bond is found fourteen times
in the New Testament. In three of the four gospels reference
is made to Christ as the bridegroom. The exquisite relationship
between Christ, the bridegroom, and His precious bride, the
church, is beautifully described in Ephesians 5:27.
As the
bridegroom, Christ loves, protects, and defends His bride.
Not only has He given His life to save her, but He constantly
nurtures and cherishes her. His supreme objective is "to
present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain
or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless"
(Ephesians 5:27, NIV). This profound and intimate love relationship
gives strength, hope, and assurance as the church awaits the
arrival of the bridegroom for the celebration of the marriage
supper of the Lamb. What joy it will be some day soon to see
the bridegroom face to face! "To Christ, as the bridegroom,
belongs the first place in the affections of His people."--Testimonies
for the Church, vol. 5, p. 224. May we be found waiting
and watching for the return of the bridegroom.
My
Prayer Today: Lord, the love of the bridegroom has
captured me. Keep me ready for the marriage supper. Amen!
|
