Faithful on Fridays Blog

Last week we finished with the Holy Spirit’s action of lingering over our planet with anticipation that the Bride was ready appear. When God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness,” the Hebrew word meant to accomplish something. Even though He knew His accomplishment would fall short of His glory He continued His original plan. Why? 

… who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross … Hebrews 12:2b 

That joy was undoubtedly the Bride, Jesus’ reward, who would be joined to Him. 

… everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made. Isaiah 43:7

We are gifted to Jesus.

Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, may be with Me where I am, to see My glory that You have given Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world. John 17:24

Interestingly, the Hebrew word changed from make to create: two different words.

So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27

Now the nuance of the word adds the idea of choosing. Yes, God made us or brought us forth but also by choice; His desire was for a Bride for His Son and He went to great lengths to advance that Plan. Here’s the kicker: He finished His work (Gen. 2:1-2). The Hebrew word for finished can also mean bride. The work God finished was bringing forth that reward for Jesus, the Bride of Christ that would be complete when joined to her Bridegroom.

For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

Colossians 2:9-10a NLT

That’s the true upper story of creation: it’s all about the Bride. The idea of hovering or lingering now turns to us in mutual love; our desire is to grow in relationship with God and so we follow His lead.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5 

What exactly is ‘abiding’? It’s that special time you set apart to be with God. It’s having conversation, asking questions, or declaring His Word back to Him. It’s proclaiming who He is and our trust and dependence on Him. Abiding means we trust Him with our innermost thoughts, desiring to change, and be more like Him. Try remembering how you developed your relationship with your spouse giving it time and effort and He will continue to form you into His image.

But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8