A Beautiful Bride
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 5:25-33
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her …
Ephesians 5:25
In many North American weddings, the moment a bride begins her walk down the aisle is very important. Everyone stands to join the groom in watching her as she processes to meet him.
That moment is important for the groom too, of course. He loves his bride and longs to have her with him. Her walk down the aisle is a picture of the approach that began before they met. And their meeting at the end of the aisle symbolizes the beginning of their new life together, which they pledge to continue throughout their lives.
Jesus loves his bride too. Our text makes that clear even as it calls earthly husbands to give themselves up in loving service to their wives. After all, Jesus gave himself up for his bride, the church, at the cross.
This month we’ve looked at many pictures of Christ’s bride, the church. We find ourselves in these pictures too, to some degree, because all who are “in Christ” are part of the church— all who are redeemed by him through the cross.
Rejoice! Together we are the one for whom Christ waits at the end of the aisle.
And love! Cherish Christ’s church, even when the church is not so lovable. You’ll be loving what Christ himself loves!
At the end of time, Lord Jesus, we will be with you completely and forever. Thank you for making that possible through your sacrifice at the cross. In the meantime, we pledge ourselves to you and to all who are part of the church, your bride. Amen.
About the author — David Den Haan
Pastor Dave Den Haan has served at Fairway Christian Reformed Church in Jenison, Michigan, since 1999. Previously he served a church in Minnesota. Dave and his wife, Connie, have three children.
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