Wedding Plans are in the Works!

by Karen Finn

Hosea 2:19 “And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.”

God views us as his betrothed. Betrothed is an obsolete vocabulary term, rarely used in the twenty-first century. A more contemporary expression would be engaged or bride-to-be, symbolic of future promise and unity. What beautiful imagery to describe our value to God and position in Christ!

In Biblical times, a woman who was betrothed was commonly viewed as already being wedded; although-- in the physical sense-- the marriage had not yet been consummated. Oftentimes, the man would need to travel afar, temporarily separated, seeking a home for his future family. There was no mistaking that this “planning” phase brought about a heightened sense of expectation, for both the man and the woman. The promise of the bridegroom’s return was certain and imminent!

Isaiah 61:10 uses the bride/bridegroom symbolism and likens it to the joy found through salvation: “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”

With great care and detail, God fashions us in His image.

It is a labor of love, a love which is limitless in its knowledge and mercy.

The free will we have been given casts a shadow upon the holy, intimate relationship we were intended to uphold and honor.

Jesus’ dying proclamation “It is finished” (John 19:30) has been perfected, weaving the attributes of righteousness, judgment, lovingkindness and mercies into the fabric of our souls! The filthy, dirty rags of sin are cast off, never to be seen again. Our countenance is one of radiance and spotlessness. The garments of salvation completely cover us, purifying our souls and presenting us worthy to be rejoined with our Creator and King.

Oh! The joy that awaits us, realizing we are betrothed to him forever! It is a marriage vow which will never be broken, a celebration that will never have to cease. Christ is coming again for us, to return for His bride and to fulfill His promise to us!