Name Tags: You are… Betrothed
I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord. And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy.
Hosea 2:19-20 (ESV)
When the Lord calls His church “the bride of Christ” (now in a stage of engagement on Earth, awaiting the grand union beyond it)...
He reveals His undying love for us: His eager expectation of face-time and the joyful celebration to come! God's greatest desire is to be with us. He proved it by giving His life for us.
And yet, betrothal to the King of kings is far more than just another nametag. It's the bedrock of your identity.
If this name tag seems far removed from you, then re-read the Book of Revelation.* The Bride of Christ stars in His closing act. Therein, practice this role and play it well, so you'll be prepped when His curtain rises.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ,
Consider 3 aspects of this role:
Jesus expects His bride to be holy: 'Be holy, for I am holy' (1 Peter 1:16). Therefore, act in a way that honors Him. No one (but Christ) is perfect in this world, so when you mess up, repent and ‘fess up!’ Pursue what is good: 'Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous' (1 John 3:7).
Jesus expects His betrothed to be chaste: Don’t have love affairs with manmade idols! 'Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him' (1 John 2:15). 'You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?' (James 4:4).**
His jealous love for you is protective. He’s aware of idolatry’s danger. He doesn’t want you to be led astray by the frivolous fancies of Satan. 'You shall not make for yourself an idol... You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God' (Exodus 20:4-5, NASB). He desires an eternity with you.***
Name Tags: You Are… Betrothed (Part 17)
* Some excerpts from the Book of Revelation regarding the church as the bride of Christ: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+19%3A7-8%2C+21%3A2%2C+21%3A9%2C+22%3A17&version=NASB
** Short article: What is spiritual adultery? https://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-adultery.html
*** Short article: Why is God a jealous God? https://www.gotquestions.org/jealous-God.html
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.