THE SWEETEST METAPHOR

This mystery is great, but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Ephesians 5:32

     What human relationship is more profound or intimate than that of husband and wife? “And they shall become one flesh” (Gen.2:24, Matt.19:5).  Holy Matrimony is the first divinely created association instituted amongst men: a special unity of persons, formed in God, generating an attachment that is both lasting and covenantal, and which transcends other social/familial ties.  Indeed, an entire volume within the Sacred Library is presented to celebrate this most joyful expression of intimacy—The Song of Songs! 

     In both Testaments, God employs sacred marriage as a precious and profound illustration that God genuinely desires an intimate personal unity with His People. In the Old Testament the covenantal relationship between God and Israel was beautifully likened to a marital relationship: “And I will betroth you to Me forever” (Hosea 2:19a).

     Similarly, the New Testament mystery of the Church is called the Bride of Christ. Marvelously, even as Adam was completed in Eve, so too, the Church is designated to functionally “complete” the Self-sufficient Christ (Eph. 1:23)! It is important to note that in Eph. 5:22-33, the relationship between Christ and His Bride is the greater and ultimate fulfillment-reality (or antitype) to which the institution of human marriage—the lesser type (or earthly shadow)—corresponds. Think of it! Our intimate union with our earthly spouse—as great as it is—is but a mere picture or shadow of Christ’s loving relational union with His Church!  What an enormous privilege and lofty challenge for us, as we are called, before the eyes of men and angels, to model the sublime pattern of the Christ/Church relationship within our own homes. Let us take great care in how we treat our designated spouses!

Terry L. Reese