The Radiant Bride

There’s nothing as beautiful as a glowing bride on her wedding day. She is fully known, and fully loved. She adorns herself for the delight of her husband and the look of complete joy on his face, not for her own approval.

This magnificent, loving union of husband and wife is a picture of Christ and the Church, His bride…  “This mystery is great, but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:32). What makes it so “great” is that our Bridegroom not just loves us and marries us, but He purchased us with His own blood that we may be His, undefiled, forgiven, without shame, and now robed in His righteousness, fit for the glories of Heaven.

Its love, God’s perfect love, exemplified in the sacrificial love of Jesus. There’s a song that captures it so well…

“How many kings stepped down from their thrones,

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats became the least for me?

And how many gods have poured out their hearts?

To romance a world that is torn all apart?

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Only One did that for me.”

May we find such deep joy and contentment knowing that we are His, wholly, unreservedly, forever! Just look at the countenance of one that is loved well! There is a radiance that shouts to the world that their heart is held, protected and cherished for all time, and nothing can separate us from this precious love of God. Oh, how the world needs His love!

(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)