Forming Faith Foundations Devotional

“‘A man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her . . . so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.” ( Ephesians 5:25-27 )

When we realized that we are sinners and in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus which comes through our baptism we become betrothed to the Lord and enter into a relationship with Him. Forming this relationship, we make a vow that we will forsake all others and love and serve only Him. As we wait for the time when Jesus will come to take us home as His bride, we are to be faithful to Him. There will be times when others will vie for our allegiance, but we must keep our focus on the beautiful bridegroom, who has gone to prepare a place for His bride.

Following the custom of Jewish weddings to pay a dowry for the bride, Jesus came and paid the dowry with His own blood. He gave His life for His bride. During this time of betrothal, Jesus is working by His Spirit and His word to purify and beautify His bride for Himself and for her joy. Let’s be sure that we will be ready when the bridegroom returns.