Genesis 2 — Thoughts

My five-year-old nephew recently asked his parents who God's wife is. It's a reasonable question. All the important people in his life — his parents, his grandparents, Ashley and me — they all come in pairs. Why wouldn't God?⁠

My sister tried to explain to him about how the Church — you, me, everyone saved by Jesus — is actually "the Bride of Christ" (Ephesians 5:31-32). My nephew erupted into a fit of giggles at the thought of himself being a bride. And that's an understandable reaction for a kid who still takes everything literally.⁠

But I look forward to the day when my nephew can appreciate what this metaphor is saying — because it's beautiful. Adam and Eve were the first husband and wife, the first people to be bonded in equal parts commitment and intimacy. They were so close, they were "one flesh" (literally, in this case, since Eve was made from Adam's rib). And this is a picture of our relationship with Jesus.⁠

The beauty of describing our relationship with Jesus this way is that it shows us His heart for His people. He is committed to us like a devoted husband, never leaving or forsaking us (Joshua 1:5). He is also intimately close to us, always accessible and invested (Psalm 139). His heart for us is such that, in the same scripture where Paul describes the Church as Christ's Bride, he also describes us as members of Christ's Body (Ephesians 5:30). We are united with Jesus just like Eve was united with Adam.⁠

Marriage is a beautiful and life-giving gift from God. But it can't compare to the beauty and life found in the relationship it points to: The heart of our Savior for us.⁠⠀

(Originally written May 7, 2020)