Articles
God Rejoices Over You
“For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your sons marry you; and as the bride groom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you” (Isa. 62:5). The prophets were great at using imagery. The imagery opens the window for us to see his point vividly. Isaiah here uses such imagery.
When a young man marries a virgin, he seeks to provide for her and protect her. He does everything he can to assure that she remain holy and without blemish. As a young man marries a virgin and dedicates himself to protecting and caring for her honor, so the sons of Israel dedicate themselves to the honor of Jehovah’s land and His people, His kingdom. Spiritual Israel today is the church. The church is people who have dedicated themselves to honor the Lord, to do His will, to bring Him glory. Their relationship with the Lord is one that strives to be pure and holy. God’s people separate themselves from the world. Their life and passion is the Lord.
Further, a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. I love that moment when the bridegroom sees his bride adorned in all her glorious array as her father presents her to him. Smiles and tears of joy flow. Pride exudes. The groom is blind to her faults and imperfections. I always think back to that moment when I saw Jody. Wow! She was so beautiful. I was so happy! It is a moment the groom never forgets. Do you remember that moment? Do you remember how full of joy you were?
Consider, that is how God sees His people. He rejoices over His people like a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. His people are His! As one of God’s people, have you ever seen yourself before God that way? God is not some ogre, oppressive, unyielding and loathsome. No, God rejoices over His people. That means God rejoices over me! God rejoices over you! God is a God of vengeance, that is true. But, also, see God who rejoices over His people. He does not delight in the destruction of anyone.
So, look at your bride. Rejoice over her. When you do, remember: this is how God sees you! His love is pure and divine! He is blind to our imperfections and faults. Love covers a multitude of sins! Blind to our faults does not mean He ignores sin, but it means that, when He looks at His people, He is not looking to find something wrong. He sees His people as holy and without blemish.
Rickie Jenkins
