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“"The Analogy of Marriage"”

Thoughts for Today:

There are many verses in the Bible that use the illustration of a bride to her groom in order to compare our relationship as believers with the Lord. For example:

Isaiah 54:5: "For your Maker is your husband?the Lord Almighty is his name?the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth."

Isaiah 62: 5: "As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you."

Hosea 2:19: "I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion."

Revelations 21:2: "I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband."

One of the principle thoughts conveyed by using the marriage analogy is one of faithfulness. However, fidelity, commitment, trust, dedication, and devotion are all words that also describe the marriage relationship -- and are just as important in our relationship with the Lord.

In Paul's time, the father was to make certain the daughter was a virgin on her wedding day. If she were not, the entire family would be shamed (with the primary negative focus upon her father). In the same way as the Corinthian's spiritual father, it was Paul's responsibility to make certain they retained their purity. He wanted to protect them from those who were attempting to lure them away from the simplicity of the Gospel message.

Questions to Ponder:

I am quite certain I have been a challenge for the shepherds God has placed in my life. It is a monumental task to present me as a pure virgin to the Lord. Thank God for Jesus! He is the only way I could ever be renewed and given new life. And I am so grateful to those shepherds God has given me who keep pointing me back to the Cross and the Word of God every time I get off course. Will you abandon your own efforts at righteousness and accept the sacrifice of Jesus? Will you go to Him now?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.