THE LORD'S BRIDE

The Lord's bride will be presented without spot or wrinkle. She will be the perfect wife as described in Proverbs 31 verse 10 - 31

A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies.

The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants.

She appraises a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong.

She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night.

She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Her husband is known at the city gate, where he sits among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants.

Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well:

“Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!” 

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates.

This exquisite description of a strong and industrious woman is a template for the nature and conduct of the bride of Christ. She is a blessing to her husband and to everyone around her. 

She attends to the business of her household with diligence and brings value to the lives of all in her sphere of influence.

She appraises a field and buys it. From her earnings,  she plants a vineyard.   

                     - Proverbs 31 verse 16.

This line alludes to the territorial nature of her interests. 

She considers areas where she can expand the kingdom of God and her advances in the spiritual territory are augmented by the acquisition of a vineyard which represents the body of Christ where the Lord is the vine and we are the branches. 

Her clothing is described as linen and purple colored which indicates that she is priestly and royalty.

The bride of Christ is an extraordinary corporate being who exemplifies the nature of the Lord and brings glory to Him all the days of her life.

Amen.