The Bride of Christ
Genesis 24.1-21,57-67
This is a literal account of how Rebekah became Isaac's wife.
Marriages in that culture were prearranged. Because of Abraham's age, his contemporaries' children were all married and by this time had children of their own and in some instances great grandchildren.
It is obvious that Isaac and Rebekah fell in love the moment they saw each other. I was in Lowes this week and one of the workers was talking to a coworker about her husband, She said to her , "You have to work at relationships." I interrupted, "Ah but blessed are the ones where you do not have to work at them." She listened and then she said to me, "I don't want to preach at her." I responded, "Well I can't help it. That's part of my job." She looked puzzled. I went to say, "I'm a pastor." She thanked me as I left.
There was no work in the spark between Isaac and Rebekah. It was love at first sight.
Marriage is the foundation of social order throughout the world. Governments have fallen for not recognizing this.
This marriage was a very special one. It symbolized the redemptive work of Christ Jesus, the Father's gift and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit today.
1. Our Father in Heaven is getting a Bride for His Son, Christ Jesus. vs.1-9
This is Pentecost Sunday. 50 days after Easter, this is the day spoken of in
Acts 1-2. This is the birthday of the church. God began, after Jesus returned to heaven, assembling a bride for the Bridegroom, His Son. The church is the Bride of Christ. There is going to be a wedding when eternity begins. More about that in a moment.
He began to call (Acts 2.39) Sometimes we are surprised at some of the ones God calls (John 4.27) Woman at the well at midday. (John 4.4-6), not the time Eleazar met Rebekah (Genesis 24.11).
God cares about the lost. He is not wanting anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance. Punishment is His last resort. The soul that ends up in hell has to fight against the LORD all the way. The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19.10)
He calls, He saves and He works His Will out in us. I used to think that was just in terms of the place and position He wants us in. It is also the spiritual place inwardly He desires to bring us to. Through experiences and some of them suffering ones He makes us like Him.
2. The Bride of Christ, the Church, is being made Holy. Ephesians 5.22-32
This is done through (v.26) the washing of water through the word.
As we read God's Word, we are corrected through His Holy Spirit. He points things out where we need to change... things that need to be added- things that need to be taken away.
It also takes place through living. The Spirit, the Holy spirit, points out places where we need to grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
Rebekah was beautiful and kind. (Genesis 24.17-25) Unkindness is so inappropriate for the Bride of Christ, the Church, God's people.
Colossians 3.16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly...
Let His Spirit do that deep work in your heart of changing you to be like Him.
Finally a Bridegroom and a Bride...
3. The Wedding Feast is being prepared! Revelation 19.6-9
The Wedding of the Lamb
Jesus told us in the gospels that the Kingdom of God is like a wedding feast. As we shared a few weeks ago he did His first miracle at a wedding... On the day of Pentecost they said the disciples were drunk on new wine... there was a wedding atmosphere there!
I've been a part of some wonderful wedding celebrations, from the sublime and simple to the extravagant and excessive (Remember how many gallons of wine Jesus made!) My most recent one was just a few weeks ago in China. I remember my sister's wedding 26 years ago next month. I have vivid memories of that day not only it because it was my sister, and I officiated at it but because it was large and family and friends came from all over to attend. It was a bit of reunion.
The longer I live the more difficult it is for me to comprehend what the Marriage Supper of the Lamb will be like- Jesus - face to face with Him. We His Bride with the Bridegroom forever. Dad and Mom will celebrate 56 years next month... a long time here on earth but when we all get to heaven- forever and ever! Then all who have died in the LORD I Thessalonians 4.13-18 - family. the church throughout the ages, old acquaintances. Heaven... from Genesis to Revelation- that day is almost here!
No comments:
Post a Comment