Religion » MARRIAGE: A METAPHOR OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH by: Jerrythegifted(m) .:. Sat, 14 Aug, 2021 - 09:33:29:am GMT
MARRIAGE: A METAPHOR OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH
Ephesians 5: 29-33
The union of a man and woman in marriage is a mystery. Paul the apostle, in his epistle to the Ephesians, described the unique intimate relationship existing between a man and woman.
He noted how they should relate with each other – in love and reverence. But beyond that, he pointed out something noteworthy. He called it a mystery.
A mystery is something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain. The coming together of two personality with different background perfectly fusing into one.
When a man leaves father and mother and cleave to his own wife, and they both become one flesh, is something that beats human imagination.
Apostle Paul further explained that the mystery speaks about something beyond the natural. It describes the union of Christ and the church.
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh, Mathew 19:5
Question 1:
Why is the marriage union a mystery?
Looking at the first marriage union in the bible, we see the man, Adam, alone.
He had trees, animals and other creation of God around him, yet, he felt lonely. God noticed it and said it is not good that man should be alone.With the charge to have dominion, subdue, be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth. Adam couldn't possibly do it alone.
So, God made him fall asleep with a deep sleep and took a rib by his side to make the woman. This is the bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh” Adam exclaimed when his eyes fell on her.
The same happens when a man recognizes one woman as the one he desires to be joined with forever. The joy, passion, excitement, the exploits and fruits their union wields is beyond expression when it is founded upon Christ the Solid rock.
If you're single and the feelings of a vacuum for the a life partner is yelling within, God is thinking about you. For He says, I know the thought that I think towards you, thoughts of peace and not of evil to give you an expected end, Jeremiah 29:11.
Most singles desire, expect and prepare to get married. They're waiting for that one special person. This thought sometimes crowds your mind, keeping you wide awake at night. You pray harder, you search deeper and you wait longer.
God's promise will never fail as long as you remain in the will of God, your heavenly father is thinking about you.
Question 2:
Mention some singles Male and Female in the Bible who were guided by God and got married according to the will of God for their lives.
You'll however need to wait upon the Lord and trust him to guide you. While waiting you also need to keep yourself pure. This requires discipline. Keeping your heart and body for the one God has preserved for you.
**I'm gifted**
Re: MARRIAGE: A METAPHOR OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH by: Jerrythegifted(m) .:. Sat, 14 Aug, 2021 - 10:51:19:am GMT
your marriage can be a beauty to behold. The love, togetherness, care, submission between the husband and wife can send the message of hope to others whose life and marriage had been shattered by the enemy.
“22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” (Ephesians 5: 22-25)
We clearly see love and submission in the relationship between Christ and the Church. Christ loves us, he humbled Himself to die for our sins and every true bride of Christ loves Him passionately, and submits to His will. Not from a stance of “do it or you’re dead”, but from a deep affection and intimacy. This is the model of love that is expected between a husband and wife towards each other.
In this 21st century “Some so called christians” detest some words in the above verses. Words like submit, head… are perceived to be a form of slavery. Why will a woman submit? And why should a man be head? We know a lot of people have shown a wrong picture of what headship and submission means.
Do you claim headship with a rod in your tongue and actions as a husband? or Do you feel so sophisticated to submit to your husband as a wife? If that is your potrait, then you’re far from Christ’s humble and loving nature.
Question 3:
How can married Christians portray and attract souls to the gospel through their marriages?
There is however a grand marriage ceremony yet to take place between Christ, the Head of the church and His bride, the saints whose sins have been forgiven at the coming Marriage Supper of the Lamb. It's an experience no true believer in Christ should miss. If you are not saved, this is the time to reconcile with God and if you are, keep your garment unspotted from the stains of the world while we await his coming. May He count you when He counts the ones who love the Lord.
**I'm gifted**