The Most Beautiful Bride
I have recently been involved in a summer Theology class studying Christology and the analogy of the Church as the Bride of Christ. I have been reminded of many astonishing and refreshing details along the way, such as the analogy in Ephesians 5 regarding Christ and the Church as compared to a husband and wife. It is so awe-inspiring and convicting to re-learn all of the things that should characterize the Church, as well as recognize God's never ending love and faithfulness for His bride. I am reminded of the Old Testament narrative of Hosea and Gomer in Hosea 1-3. Hosea was an upstanding, loyal prophet, while Gomer was a prostitute. Nonetheless, God commanded Hosea to take Gomer as his wife and be faithful to her, despite her unfaithfulness. Hosea obeys and he and Gomer have three children together, whose names are symbolic of God’s feelings toward Israel. Then the bad gets worse and Gomer goes back to her life of prostitution and is finally placed on the auction...