More Deep Thoughts From Mind of Kim

I just learned something I had to share. In our Sunday morning services we have been using a video series called "So the World May Know". It is a series focusing on the impact the culture of the time had on the lessons of the Bible. We watch a short clip from that and then Randy gives some thoughts. This week's lesson was about the church being the bride of Christ. I have to admit as a 27 year old who has grown up in the Nazarene church, I never understood this analogy although I have heard it used very frequently. It was explained that Jesus was using a commonplace event to explain a more complex idea (like the parables). In bible times, when two young people were engaged, the groom's family would pay the bride price determined by the girl's family. The young man would then go to his father's house to "prepare a place" for the bride. This literally meant that he would go put an addition onto his father's house for he and his new wife. While he was working, the bride would keep herself faithful to him while awaiting his return. When the groom's father decided the house was ready, he gave permission for the young man to go get his bride.

I am sure you can see where I am going with this. Jesus paid our bride price by giving His life. We as the church are then betrothed to Him. He told us in John 14:2, "In my father's house are many rooms. If it were not so I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you." Jesus has gone to heaven to prepare a place for us. We are to wait for His return keeping ourselves faithful to Him. He tells us in Matthew 24:36, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." So when God gives His permission, Jesus will return to claim those that have been faithful to him. Now that I understand the cultural references behind the analogy, I can see what a beautifully simple way of explaining our responsibility this is!

I highly recommend this video series. It is slightly outdated and parts of it can be difficult to understand but it is worth it. I never realized how understanding the culture of the time would affect my understanding of what Jesus was teaching. Our culture may be different but the principles are the same. No groom wants a bride that has been unfaithful!