Wednesday 24 June 2009

Here's an interesting look at the church as we continue with William Willimon's take on the "Eros of God."



It is scandalous too that the NewTestament dares to call the poor old church Christ's "bride." The church is invited by God to do what husbands and wives do in marriage. the bride nervously awaits the full consummation of Christ's love, recipient of a kind of arranged marriage. she is besmirched, unworthy of such adoration by one so pure and good. Still,, she knows that she is betrothed, spoken for by the Savior who will keep his promise to fulfill his passionate intention to make love to sinners (Rev. 21:2,9). Jesus looks upon the poor old church the way a proper groom looks upon his bride.



I know there can be all kinds of issues of this kind of portrayal of brides and grooms, but let us give some space here to the last line I just quoted. Even though there can be all sorts of baggage to images of grooms and brides and expectations we are really getting to this line: "Jesus looks upon the poor old church the way a proper groom looks upon his bride." Like a gift...like one who is beloved beyond expression...like a gem...like the best of a side-by-side partner....forever. And we are invited to enter into that relationship as deeply and profoundly as the intimacy of bride and groom. This means with all the surprises and all the joys and all that will come. Christ's promise to fulfill Christ's "passionate intention to make love to sinners" sets up a whole new image for the life of the church and all who are baptized in Christ, Jesus.



Connection: Maybe if we look at the relationship of the church and Christ in this kind of way, it may have some influence about how we look at all the relationships of our lives.



Loving God, as you pursue us, your love is the power to transform us. To be so caught up in the love you have for us is to be placed in a position of great potentiality. Help us to be a passionate partner in the life of your Reign. Amen.