Honeymoon is never over when it comes to God's love
Sat, May 10, 2008
How much does God love you? What images does the Bible use to describe the depth of God's love for his people? We have all heard that God loves us so much that his son died for us. While this is still the most amazing truth ever, unfortunately we let it become a little old. It helps us then to look at other scriptural images that help to describe the depths of God's love.One of those images is called the bridal paradigm. In his word, the Lord said, "As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you" (Isaiah 62:5). God compares his relationship to his church as to that of a bridegroom to his bride. The scriptures refer to God's people as the bride of Christ, and Jesus is referred to as the bridegroom. Now the ladies may be able to grab onto this imagery quicker than the guys, but we men must understand that this had nothing to do with walking down an aisle in a white dress. I am 100 percent man and I just can't feel for Jesus like that. There is nothing sexual intended when scripture calls us the bride of Christ. And yet God is telling us that everything you find in the heart of a bridegroom you will find in the heart of Jesus towards his people.
There is delight, enjoyment, passion, affection and desire. Jesus is viewed as a fiery and passionate bridegroom who seeks and pursues his people at the deepest level possible. As a pastor, I do a few wedding each year, and I can see that absolute joy and desire that these grooms have for their bride and vice versa. There is a tenderness in them toward their bride. This is just a reflection of God's heart for his people. As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you.On earth, we often say that the honeymoon is over. As humans, our emotions are often fickle. They can fluctuate some times on a daily basis. Humans just cannot sustain that honeymoon level of passion and intensity over the long haul.
It would be great if we did, but we usually give into familiarity and predictability over time. We guys may not stay as handsome and fit as we once were. As couples we have to work hard at keeping our relationships fresh and vibrant.With God, the honeymoon never ends. It may be very hard for us to imagine, but God is infinite. He can sustain a freshness in his passion and love for us without getting into a rut. God forever keeps a white hot love and intensity for all of eternity. He knows all of our quirks – past, present, and future. And yet he doesn't throw up his hands and quit on us. God doesn't ask us for a divorce. Oh he could. If God wanted to look for reasons to quit on us, I am sure that he could easily find them. The Great Heavenly Bridegroom doesn't respond that way to us. He is committed. He is faithful. He is loving. He will always seek our best, and he will never give up. We have to work hard to keep our passion alive. Jesus Christ doesn't have to work at all. It is his nature to always display his love toward his people. He doesn't love our sin. He is not pleased with our rebellion. He has set his affection upon us, though, and he will always pursue and seek to win our hearts back. And as we turn to him and seek him, he rejoices – as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. And the honeymoon will never end. And that's the Word.— David Yarborough is pastor of St. Simons Community Church. Contact him at 634-2960 or david@sscommunity church.com.
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