Genesis 29:20 Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.
The constitution of a family between a man and a woman was instituted by the Lord God in the garden of Eden. Genesis 2:18 The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Family union and intimacy was God’s plan, not man’s roadmap to relationships. Hence no law, legislation or literature has the right to alter, add or delete the charter of marriage. Betrothal, wedding ceremony and marriage is the physical manifestation of the spiritual union with the Lord. Hosea 2:20 And I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord. The period between betrothal and marriage is the time to prove the love, faithfulness and purity of the bride and the groom. Hosea 2:19 I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, In loving kindness and in compassion.
Our oneness with God is no different from a marital relationship. It is a covenant between two individuals to care, share, give and forgive but the foundation of a sound marriage is love. Jacob was betrothed to the love of his life for seven years but because he loved her, it was only like few days to him. Our spiritual life and sincerity can be best understood if we look at ourselves (male/female) as the bride betrothed to the groom Jesus who gave His life and redeemed us from the hands of sin, slavery and satan. Marriage breakdown or failure in a relationship does not disposition us; we are still the betrothed bride of King Jesus.
The basic requirements of a betrothed bride:
1. Purity: The foundation of our union must be unadulterated love. If our love is self-seeking, selfish and self-centred, ego will penetrate and crack the foundation. Jesus does not want to sit in a cathedral or a basilica, He wants to reside in our hearts. He will not be able to enjoy His stay in us if we are corrupt, concealing or coercive. If we are adamant in our ways, astringent in our hearts and arrogant in our thoughts, our love is not selfless. We will be like a nagging wife who gives grief to her husband. Proverbs 25:24 Better to live on the corner of a roof than to share a house with a nagging wife. Love does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered.
2. Sincerity: The bricks of the foundation must be sincerity in our thoughts, words and deeds. The language of love is better expressed in actions than in words, cards and gifts. A husband cannot trust a lying wife, neither can a wife confide with a manipulating husband. Flowers and flamboyance will fade away when the reality of life kicks. Only sincerity and legitimacy will strengthen the core of our relationship. Love does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others.
3. Honesty: We must be vulnerable before God. There is no need to give reasons for our silly mistakes nor blame someone else for our crazy behaviour. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Sincere apology does not display weakness but authenticates true love. Honesty, transparency and simplicity is the core to oneness in a marriage and our intimacy with God. Love never fails.
We are the betrothed bride of Christ the King.
Ephesians 5:25 A husband should love his wife as much as Christ loved the church and gave His life for it.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, make me a pure, sincere and honest bride who brings delight, joy and pleasure to the heart of the groom. Amen
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