Morning, July 22
Go To Evening Reading
“I am married unto you.”
Jeremiah 3:14
Christ Jesus is joined unto his people in marriage-union. In love
he espoused his Church as a chaste virgin, long before she fell under
the yoke of bondage. Full of burning affection he toiled, like Jacob
for Rachel, until the whole of her purchase-money had been paid, and
now, having sought her by his Spirit, and brought her to know and
love him, he awaits the glorious hour when their mutual bliss shall
be consummated at the marriage-supper of the Lamb. Not yet hath the
glorious Bridegroom presented his betrothed, perfected and complete,
before the Majesty of heaven; not yet hath she actually entered upon
the enjoyment of her dignities as his wife and queen: she is as yet
a wanderer in a world of woe, a dweller in the tents of Kedar; but
she is even now the bride, the spouse of Jesus, dear to his heart,
precious in his sight, written on his hands, and united with his person.
On earth he exercises towards her all the affectionate offices of
Husband. He makes rich provision for her wants, pays all her debts,
allows her to assume his name, and to share in all his wealth. Nor
will he ever act otherwise to her. The word divorce he will never
mention, for “He hateth putting away.” Death must sever the conjugal tie between the most loving mortals,
but it cannot divide the links of this immortal marriage. In heaven
they marry not, but are as the angels of God; yet there is this one
marvellous exception to the rule, for in Heaven Christ and his Church
shall celebrate their joyous nuptials. This affinity as it is more
lasting, so is it more near than earthly wedlock. Let the love of
husband be never so pure and fervent, it is but a faint picture of
the flame which burns in the heart of Jesus. Passing all human union
is that mystical cleaving unto the Church, for which Christ left his
Father, and became one flesh with her.