She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
(Proverbs 31:12 ESV)
As I have embarked on this Lenten "hobo honeymoon," I've wondered what kind of bride am I for Jesus?
Please keep in mind that the metaphor for the Bride of Christ is not just about me as an individual, but for the whole church. (See Ephesians 5:22-33).
However, as I am a member of this family called the Bride, I desire to live out the qualities that would be considered praiseworthy in His eyes.
Often the poem about the excellent wife in Proverbs has been used as a litmus test for the ideal godly woman. But lately I have noticed a different perspective. The Proverbs woman in some ways can be compared to the church, and her activities give insight into ways to honor Her Bridegroom.
In the middle of the poem the poet records the central outcome of the woman's active life:
Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
when he sits among the elders of the land.
(Proverbs 31:23 ESV)
Am I making Jesus known where I live? Am I offering good to Him? Am I harming His reputation with my words or the way I treat others?
I really like this analogy. Great food for thought. The whole thing, considered in this light, gives me much to ponder...
ReplyDeleteMe too, Sylvia :)
Delete