Tuesday November 24


“I have betrothed you to…Christ.”  2Co 11:2 NKJV

You belong to Christ

In Bible days betrothal meant much more than engagement; it was part of the marriage ritual. As soon as a couple was betrothed, they were considered to be one. But the marriage wasn’t consummated for a year or more. During that time the groom would build their new home and continue courting his bride, getting to know her and allowing her to know him. And the bride would prepare herself by learning everything she could about her future husband so that she could please him in all respects. Finally the groom brought his bride to their new home and they began to live as husband and wife. So what’s the point of this illustration? Simply this: The church is the bride of Christ, and we should be longing for the time when our union with Him will be consummated and we’ll partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven (See Rev 19:7). Until then Jesus is fulfilling His part by preparing a place for us, praying and interceding on our behalf, continuing to woo us, to lavish His love upon us, and to bring us into “the knowledge of [Him]” (Eph 4:13). And what’s our part? Remembering that how we live our lives reflects on Him. No man wants his wife running around writing bad checks, engaging in lewd conversation, getting drunk in public, or flirting with other men. He wants her to refrain from those behaviors because he loves her and wants her reputation to be good. He wants his wife to be a good reflection on him and their family. In other words, your betrothal to Christ demands that you no longer live for yourself—but for Him!