THE BRIDE
Ephesians 5:2-32
In our text, Apostle Paul uses the relationship between Christ and the church to describe the relationship between a man and his wife. Paul teaches that the marriage between husband and wife is really meant to picture how Christ loves the Church, his bride. This metaphor teaches us a few things about the church. Firstly, it demonstrates a loving relationship. It is expected of a young couple to love one another. All things being equal, the wedding day is full of loving gestures, joy, and gladness. This is what is supposed to be our feelings for the Lord at all times. The love must not wane. On his part, his love for us is forever constant. We must reciprocate.
Secondly, the metaphor demonstrates God’s everlasting commitment to us, his bride. Marriages today may end for one reason or the other, but God’s love for his bride, as flawed as she may be, will never end. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?. . . For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Romans 8:35-39.
God’s love for his bride is unconditional, unending and unfailing. It assures of his commitment to our security. He will not allow us to get lost (John 6:37-39). The Bride metaphor pictures how the church should submit to Christ even as the Christian wife should submit to her husband as the leader in the house. One of the identifying characteristics of a true believer is submitting to and doing the will of God. No matter how unpalatable it may seem, a Christian must submit himself to do the will of the Master and Lord.
Thirdly, the metaphor teaches husbands to learn from Christ. He loves the church in spite of flaws. He patiently washes her with the water of the word with a view to presenting himself a glorious church without spot or wrinkle. Husbands should never give up on their wives. Continue to love and cherish her until Christ in you brings out the best out of her and your home a beautiful home.
Finally, the bride as a wife reminds us that the church is co-heir and ruler with Christ. “And if children, then heirs (namely, heirs of God and also fellow heirs with Christ) if indeed we suffer with him, so we may also be glorified with him”, (Romans 8:17). Just as the wife is entitled to whatever the husband has under the law, so are you a bride entitled to whatever Christ has –status, riches, power etc.
Beloved, you are the bride of Christ. He loves and cherishes you. He will protect and provide for you. Allow him his place in your life. Give him love and submission and you will enjoy the benefits.
MEDITATION: This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church; Ephesians 5: 32.
