Morning, July 22, edited from Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening

“I am married to you.” — Jeremiah 3:14

Christ Jesus is joined to his people in the marriage union. In love he joined in engagement with his Church as a pure virgin, long before she fell under the yoke of bondage. Full of passion and affection he toiled, like Jacob for Rachel, until the whole of her dowry had been paid, and now, having sought her by his Spirit, and brought her to know and love him, he awaits the glorious hour when their mutual bliss shall be consummated at the marriage supper of the Lamb. The glorious Bridegroom has not yet presented his betrothed, perfected and complete, before the Majesty of heaven; she has not yet actually entered upon the enjoyment of her position as his wife and queen; she is still yet a wanderer in a world of woe, a dweller in tents outside of the City; but she is even now the bride, the spouse of Jesus, dear to his heart, precious in his sight, written on his hands, and united with his person. On earth he applies towards her all the affectionate support of Husband. He makes rich provision for her needs, pays all her debts, allows her to assume his name, and to share in all his wealth. Nor will he ever act otherwise to her. He will never mention the word divorce, for “He hates divorce.” Death must sever the matrimonial tie between the most loving people, but it cannot break the links of this immortal marriage. In heaven they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven; yet there is this one marvelous exception to the rule, for in Heaven Christ and his Church shall celebrate their joyous marriage day. This relationship, since it is more lasting, so is more intimate than earthly wedlock. However so pure and fervent the love of a husband is here, it is but a faint picture of the flame which burns in the heart of Jesus. Surpassing all human union is that mystical cleaving to the Church, for which Christ left his Father, and became one flesh with her.