July 22, Morning

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"I am married unto you." — Jeremiah 3:14 · KJV

Christ Jesus is joined to His people in marriage-union. In love He espoused His Church as a chaste virgin, long before she fell under the yoke of bondage. Full of burning affection, He toiled, like Jacob for Rachel, until the whole of her purchase-price 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. Not yet has the glorious Bridegroom presented His betrothed, perfected and complete, before the Majesty of heaven; not yet has she actually entered on the enjoyment of her dignities as His wife and queen; she is still a wanderer in a world of woe, a dweller in the tents of Kedar. 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 exercises toward her all the affectionate offices of a Husband. He makes rich provision for her wants, pays all her debts, allows her to bear His name, and to share in all His wealth. Nor will He ever act otherwise toward her. The word divorce He will never mention, for "He hateth putting away." Death must sever the marriage tie between the most loving mortals, but it cannot divide the links of this immortal marriage. In heaven they marry not, but are as the angels of God; yet there is this one marvelous exception to the rule, for in heaven Christ and His Church shall celebrate their joyous nuptials. And as this union is more lasting, so is it nearer than earthly wedlock. Let the love of a husband be ever so pure and fervent, it is but a faint picture of the flame that 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.