…Here’s our challenge: our earthly marriages should reflect the same passion that Christ possesses for His bride, the church.  The apostle Paul explains this correlation clearly in Ephesians 5:31-32:

As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.

Did you catch that?  Husbands and wives are considered as permanently bonded and forever united as Jesus is to the church.  Do we have this level of commitment in our marriages?  Or more personally, do you have this level of commitment in your marriage?

Oh, but marriage is hard! you may be thinking.

I know! Anyone who has been married any length of time will most likely echo that sentiment.  But let’s remember that although we typically think of the word passion being defined as “ardent affection” or “sexual desire,” there’s a whole lot more to it.  Even Webster’s Dictionary is smart enough to list the primary definition of passion as “the sufferings of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death.”

We may have to suffer for the sake of marriage at times, but let’s face it.  None of us has had to suffer nearly to the degree that our Heavenly Bridegroom has already suffered for us!  So let’s pause to lift our hearts in praise.

Dearest Lord Jesus,

You have set such an amazing example of sacrificial love.  Leaving heaven to come to earth so that you could draw us unto you is the most remarkable and romantic thing anyone has ever done — period!  Regardless of our unfaithfulness, you have given your very life to redeem and restore us into right relationship with you, and we give you thanks and praise for loving us so perfectly and so completely.  Please bless us with an extraordinary ability to show such unconditional passion and commitment to our spouse, and help our marriage serve the world as a clear reflection of your lavish love for us!  Amen.