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Parallels Of The Mirrored Marriage


Part 1. The Marriage Mirror

2 Corinthians 11:2 NLT

    "I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. For I promised you as a pure bride to one husband, Christ."

Not surprisingly, I wasn't able to find a definition of marriage in either the Mariam Webster or Wikipedia dictionaries that even remotely defined what I consider to be an accurate description of what occurs in a true marriage centered on Christ. So, I offer my own humbly with the hope that it meets with agreement in the Christian heart:

Marriage: The joining of two hearts, spirits and bodies in a conjoined effort as one to replicate the perfect relationship of Christ, the Bridegroom to His Bride - His Church

Our God in His infinite mercy, wisdom and great love has given us the perfect example of what the perfect marriage partner looks like and must be in the life and teachings of the Bridegroom, our Lord and Savior. Who waits now for His Bride to answer Him, Not only by reflecting back to Him His own character and heart, but by reflecting and representing His image to one another as marriage partners here on earth in joint preparation as Christ's Bride.

As married Christians, we're afforded an outstanding opportunity in preparation for the marriage we were ultimately created for. This being the opportunity to practice replicating and being transformed in unity into the Bride fit to be united with Christ eternally. Our marriages here on earth in so many ways are a reflection of another much more critically important one. Our trials, growth and successes in our marriages here on earth are an educational and refining opportunity in preparation as the Bride of Christ.

Together, using the amazing threads of the living colors of Christ's uniting character and incorporating the sacred intimacy, fidelity, love and trust that we build in relationship together, we weave a marriage fabric that becomes a part of the bridal gown that Christs Church will be presented in. But if we fail to use the strengths of Christs character as the binding element, the fabric we weave together in those marriage relationships lacks durability, life and color and is easily frayed and even torn in our marriage efforts. It becomes a bland and frail fabric unfit to be worn by the glorious Bride of the King of Kings.

Over the next few weeks, I will begin presenting a series of posts related to marriage relationships - things that the Lord has impressed on my own heart and that also speak to other relational issues. What you will find here are the thoughts and observations of a heart in a committed relationship with the heart of it's creator - humbly offered as food for thought to any Christian considering marriage or interested in improving the marriage relationship they've already committed to.

Let me say now that I'm not a marriage counselor or a scholar formally educated by the world. If you're wondering about who I am, let me say that - I'm really not important. In response to any concerns, I'll offer you the same extremely valuable advice that was given to me many years ago: "Never take another mans word alone for the truth of what God is telling you through His Word - read it for yourself." To which I add: If what the man tells you agrees with what you find in the whole of the Word of God and the interpretation of the Holy Spirit, then you can embrace it. But if he's offended by your diligence regarding such a vitally important matter - beware!

For those who don't know me and are still burdened with curiosity: At the time of this writing, I'm a 51 year old Christian husband, married once (nearly 34 yrs), father of 7 (with the same wife) and grandfather to 12 beautiful grandchildren - all by His grace and kindness to me.


I assure you that I'm not going to introduce you to some new undiscovered truths regarding scripture - in fact I'm comfortable that they don't exist. Dedicated men and women led by the Holy Spirit have scoured the Word of our God for centuries. What I am is merely a follower of Christ dedicated to learning about and observing the heart of my God. By His grace I'm learning to emulate and am insatiably drawn to the absolutely charming and awesome qualities of His great character. I'm merely one who over the decades of my life has enjoyed the blessings of His interactions, Word and mercy - for which I am eternally grateful. I'm just a guy with a tender heart burdened to share the riches of our God's grace and wisdom. I hope you'll walk with me here a short while.

Offered In His Spirit,
 
Jeff

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