Shadows of Our Reality

It is here, in the mists of eternity that the mystery of the marriage union is first made known; here the espousals between us are entered into; here the first kiss of betrothed love is given. The 'celebration of the marriage' is yet to come; but the betrothal in heaven and this union of our souls, expressed in this kiss, make Christ and His called out ones; His lambs, eternally one, even here on earth. As the suiter, when he becomes formally engaged to the love of his life, commits himself with this act, to love her, cherish her, to protect her, and care for her needs; he counts her interests as his interests, her peace becomes his peace, and her joy becomes his joy; so, in the same way, our risen Lord, when in the councils of eternity, He betrothed Himself to His bride to be, in the presence of the Father, He undertook to be unto her, unto us, everything her body and soul required for Life: for life in the flesh, and life in the Spirit; as she awaits the trumpets of His arrival. His own words are, "I will betroth you unto me forever; yes, I will betroth you unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving-kindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth you unto me in faithfulness; and you shall know the Lord." And again, "For your Maker is your husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and your Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; the God of the whole earth shall he be called."