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The backdrop for our journey through Hosea is a marriage—a wedding. This causes me to reflect on my own children’s weddings. Their wedding days were truly some of the most enjoyable days of my life, celebrations of where and how God had led them to the beginning of the rest of their stories. I remember their weddings better than my own. I also enjoyed the days leading up to their special days—the planning, preparations, and parties. Maybe some of you think I am crazy for feeling that way. Oh, it was endless hours—so much intentionality in our planning and preparation. It was costly at so many levels, but so worth it. I think all of us would be astounded if my daughters, daughter-in-law, or any other bride showed up for their wedding unkempt and ill-prepared. It would be shocking if any arrived in their everyday clothes with little or no plans for their day.
Why did the brides in my life dress and prepare themselves? It was not to earn or win their grooms' favor because they had it. Each, compelled by the love of her groom, wanted to be beautiful for him. So, it is with us—Christ’s bride, the Church. He has chosen us and betrothed Himself to us. We are His! We have His favor! Therefore, we dress ourselves and prepare for our coming wedding day. Our Groom has provided our dress.
“. . .for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." —Isaiah 61:10
We have a beautiful dress, yet He continues to make our outward dress an inward reality.
"Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish." —Ephesians 5:25-27
He sanctifies us, so we might be properly adorned for that glorious day when our Bridegroom returns. Is the word of Hosea washing over you? Is God using this text's shocking language and harsh realities to sanctify you through and through? Does the investment feel costly as you wrestle with your own unreadiness? My dear sisters, press on in your planning and preparation. Celebrate the anticipation of your wedding day. Your Groom awaits, and you have His heart. Every costly investment is worth it.
"And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." — Revelation 21:2
Longing for that day,
Paula
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