Morning, July 22

Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings

"I am married unto you."

  Jeremiah 3:14

   Christ Jesus is joined unto 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-money 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 hath the
   glorious Bridegroom presented his betrothed, perfected and complete,
   before the Majesty of heaven; not yet hath she actually entered upon
   the enjoyment of her dignities as his wife and queen: she is as yet 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 towards her all the affectionate offices of Husband. He
   makes rich provision for her wants, 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. The word divorce he will never mention, for "He
   hateth putting away." Death must sever the conjugal 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 marvellous exception to the rule, for in Heaven
   Christ and his Church shall celebrate their joyous nuptials. This
   affinity as it is more lasting, so is it more near than earthly
   wedlock. Let the love of husband be never so pure and fervent, it is
   but a faint picture of the flame which burns in the heart of Jesus.
   Passing all human union is that mystical cleaving unto the Church, for
   which Christ left his Father, and became one flesh with her.