Friday, February 25, 2011

Rules of Engagement

Our granddaughter, Sarah, has recently received an engagement ring. It represents all her dreams and hopes for the future, in that it is tangible evidence of a promise that she will be wed and enter into a life of happiness and fulfillment with her husband.

It reminds me of a scripture in Ephesians 1:14, beginning in verse 13 where it says, “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, (14) who is the guarantee (down payment, earnest) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.”

In a way, that is our engagement ring. We are the bride of Christ, to be redeemed and celebrated at the marriage supper of the Lamb in Heaven, Revelation 19:7-9. We are told in Isaiah 62:4-5, that we are called Hephzibah, a difficult name that means “My delight is in Her”, and our land, Beulah (a symbol of true Israel), which means married, and that God will rejoice over us as the bridegroom rejoices over His bride.

In the story of Isaac and Rebekah, Abraham sent his servant to find a bride for his son. The servant brought Rebekah jewelry of silver and gold and clothing. These were engagement presents! He brought gifts to her family as well, as a dowry.

In receiving the Holy Spirit, we have access to spiritual gifts, which are a manifestation of the Spirit, or evidence of His activity in us. We are to desire these gifts, even as a fiancee desires her engagement gift or gifts. Some people seem afraid of these gifts and do not want to accept them or believe that they are for them. But we have a Heavenly Bridegroom who is trustworthy and has our best interests at heart. Just as an earthly bride and groom put up earnest money when buying a home, He has deposited earnest on our heavenly home and prepared it for our occupancy! The ultimate engagement gift!

1 comment:

  1. Amen!

    Beautiful and inspiring,Thelma.

    It's so wonderful to know that God's delight is in us!

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