“Live a happy life! Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence. Remember the world of wonders he has made, his miracles,” Psalm 105:4 Message
Elizabeth Barrett Browning said …nothings small ! …Earth is crammed with heaven. And every common bush afire with God: But only he who sees, takes off his shoes. How true.
One thing I am noticing now days is that there is a lot of contention as to who the Bride of Christ is. I don’t profess to have cornered the market but I’m more inclined to believe that she is a believer who is in love with Jesus. As you know, not everyone is in love with Jesus. Yes we are saved by faith, but not all Christians pursue Him as a bride. “This is what the Lord says:
“ ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me ..” Jeremiah 2:1 (NIV)
The Bible mentions her in the Book of Revelation and all through the scriptures and it likens Israel and then the Church as a Bride. I feel it’s important to explore this thought. I am convinced that it’s the Church today, but is it all the Church? The Bride speaks of someone who is in love with the Bride Groom - Jesus, it’s someone who is close to Him. Jesus said to Peter three times, “Do you love me,” after he had denied the Lord just before His death. There was a need for Peter to repent of His sin and get back into a right loving relationship with the Lover of His soul. As you have probably noticed there are Christians out there that aren’t walking in love. Look at this verse.
“If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.” (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)
“How beautiful your love, dear, dear friend— far more pleasing than a fine, rare wine, your fragrance more exotic than select spices.” Living Bible
“How satisfying to me, my equal, my bride. Your love is my finest wine—intoxicating and thrilling. And your sweet, perfumed praises—so exotic, so pleasing.” The Passion (TPT)
I have been reading through the Passion Translation of the Song of Songs and find that it really brings out what the Lord thinks about His Church, His Bride. Here is a portion by the author, explaining the above verse.
“Your life of devotion pleases Him more than any other beautiful thing He's created.”
It intoxicates Him! Jesus is essentially saying that your love for Him is more valuable than anything else in the universe. Your love thrills His heart. He values your love more than any other pleasure there is. He measures it, not by its strength, but by its sincerity. He knows you love Him although you may fail and sin at times. You are desired just the way you are. Never let these words go in one ear and out the other. Take a moment and meditate on this truth. It will make your heart soar and cause you to live differently. Knowing how much He loves you will ignite passion that becomes an unquenchable fire.
How could this possibly be? How could God want and appreciate our fickle love so much? We see in John chapter 4 when Jesus was talking to the woman at the well that God is actively looking for worshippers.
