What a Beautiful Analogy!
Right now countless brides are making plans with caterers and musicians, being fitted for their gown; hounding their bridesmaids to get their gowns, and so on and so on. The frenzy of trying to prepare for that big day often clouds the beautiful moment when it began. When the potential groom took a chance and offered to the potential bride the opportunity to do life with him until death do them part.. However the groom asked the bride to be his wife, the joy in the heart of the bride brought melody to her heart. When I read the Word of God, sometimes the words have such a poetic cadence about them that they resound in my spirit like my favorite songs. The words bring such joy to my heart that seem like a bridegroom beckoning me to be His bride. That is the effect that Father God wants us to have. Today, I ran across a familiar passage of scripture, which I read in a newer translation:
13 And because of him, when you who are not Jews heard the revelation[p] of truth, you believed in the wonderful news of salvation. Now we have been stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit.]
14 He is given to us like an engagement ring] is given to a bride, as the first installment of what’s coming! He is our hope-promise of a future inheritance[ which seals us until we have all of redemption’s promises and experience complete freedom—all for the supreme glory and honor of God! Ephesians 1:13-14 (TPT)
Imagine for a moment, that the analogy of the Holy Spirit coming into our lives, being likened to that of an engagement ring being given to a bride. The engagement ring is not the wedding, it is not the ceremony, it is no the honeymoon, it is not the "happily ever after". Instead, the Holy Spirit is a promise of all of that. It is the assurance that of all the people in the world, you have been chosen to be a recipient of the grace and glory of being united forever with God Himself. As God’s chosen, we can begin to dream concerning His promises, we can plan for the marriage, the honeymoon, and the happily ever after. And unlike a mortal groom, this groom will not ever take back His engagement ring, or leave us hanging at the altar, or not provide for us following the wedding. He will be faithful and true; He will be patient and loving, even when we are not. He is the best provider we could ever hope for. He will also be a wonderful counselor, our best friend.
I’m reminded of a song sung by Mercy Me:
"Holy And Anointed One"
Jesus, Jesus,
Holy and anointed One,
Jesus
[x2]
Jesus, Jesus,
Risen and exalted One,
Jesus
[x2]
Your name is like honey on my lips,
Your Spirit like water to my soul,
Your Word is a lamp unto my feet
Jesus, I love You, I love You
How wonderful to be loved by God.
Maria