I promised you to one husband, to Christ…
But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Cor. 11:2–3
Gracious Lord Jesus, two things stand out with flashing neon brilliance in this passage. The first thing, we belong to you as a washed, dressed, cherished Bride. No other relationship gives the peace, joy, and hope as your relationship with us. You gave your life for us, set your affection upon us, and are coming back for us. Hallelujah!
This underscores the second thing that stands out in this Scripture: the intensity of Satan’s hatred for the “first thing.” He’ll do anything possible to diminish our delight in you, and destroy our devotion to you.
Satan despises your love for us, and hates our love for you. Whether overtly, through condemnation and persecution; covertly, through seduction and prosperity; or gradually, though busyness and ministry exhaustion… his strategy is the same—to steal our hearts away from you.
He won’t succeed; for you crushed his head, and made us your own forever. Nothing will keep us from the Wedding Feast of the Lamb (Rev. 19), and life with you in the new heaven and new earth. But…
But wake us from our slumber, Jesus. Restore to us the love we had for you as new believers. We were so free and joyful—so focused on you. Nothing else really mattered.
Thank you for being jealous for our love, Jesus. Thank you for clothing us in the wedding garment of your righteousness; and for loving us right now as much as you ever will. Make your relationship with us more real and precious than anything else. So very Amen we pray, in your triumphant and tender name.