I recently had the privilege to attend a wedding ceremony for some long time friends. During the processional (when the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the aisle, climaxing with the entrance of the bride), I couldn’t help but think about words our pastor has spoken many times before. Having officiated many weddings through the years, he commented that he has never seen an ugly bride (at least not on their wedding day).
Oh, sure there’s make up, and hair styling, and ornate garments, but it’s more than just that. There’s an “inner glow” that is unmistakable. It tells the tale of anxiety, nerves and doubts, as well as hope, joy and love. It is the knowledge of two imperfect people coming together, but the faith that it can work so long as God is God in their relationship. It is the fear of commitment and the sanctity of covenant. It is the ending of one chapter, and the beginning of another.
Many passages in Scripture draw an analogy for the relationship between God and His covenant people to that of a groom and his bride. Whether it’s the Israelites (Old Testament) or the Church (New Testament), the biblical language is unmistakably intimate, sacrificial and hopeful.
Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians puts it this way: “…Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, have cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.” (Eph. 5:25-27)
Intimacy. Sacrifice. Hope.
“That He might,” and “that we may.”
But the testimony of Israel (see the Old Testament), the testimony of the church’s history, and even our own testimony as the contemporary church have not always been particularly flattering.
In fact, the last of the northern prophets (prophesying to Israel), Hosea, provides us with a stunning and convicting account of the unfaithfulness of God’s covenant people, Israel:
“The land (of Israel) commits flagrant harlotry, forsaking the Lord.” (Hos. 1:2) “You are not My people, and I am not your God.” (Hos. 1:9)
Hosea is called to love and marry a wife of harlotry (Gomer) as a prophetic analogy to the love of God for His harlot people. The short book of Hosea unfolds much as we might expect.
First there is love and excitement – “someone loves me in spite of what I’ve done! I’ll never take this for granted!”
Then comes familiarity, complacency and a return to former habits.
In Hosea 2, God speaks of His relentless pursuit of His people, and the way He tracks us down with love and tenderness (see verses 14-23). Quickly following suit, Hosea goes and redeems/buys back his wife, Gomer, who had a left her family and sold herself back into harlotry.
Then the cycle repeats. Gomer (and Israel) return to their love and commit to remaining faithful. But then they grow complacent again (Hosea 5) and turn away from Him.
And then they return (Hosea 6).
And then they turn away (Hosea 7).
And so the cycle continues for them and for us.
I am so grateful that the book of Hosea ends with God’s unending pursuit, and the unending invitation to “those with ears to hear”:
“Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous will walk in them, but transgressors will stumble in them.” (Hos. 14:9)
Despite the Israelites’ cycles of unfaithfulness, and despite the flaws and stains in the church’s history, and despite our imperfections even now, God is faithful, loving, relentless, and hopeful that we will be His beautiful bride, cleansed with the word, presented to Him as holy and blameless, without spot or wrinkle.
“On this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades (death) will not overpower it.” (Matt. 16:18)
Not only are we beautiful, but we are equipped with the power to overcome the gates of death (sin/evil/meaninglessness), to live in victory – even in this life.
About a year ago, I was driving up to Pinetop, Arizona but had to take a detour due to wildfires. Among other places, this detour brought me through the “humble” town of Superior, which frankly had me feeling depressed – that is, until I saw a church located near the main road. I became overwhelmed with gratitude for the faithful ministers of the Gospel, those who will probably never be famous or wealthy, but who share the joy and hope of life – the Good News of victory over death, shining light and truth in the darkness – a beacon – the beautiful bride of Christ!
May we follow suit. Not for the accolades and aplomb of people, but from the abundance of our heart, knowing that we are loved unconditionally, pursued relentlessly and empowered unendingly by the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth.
Just for a Closer Walk 