I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! 2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
When adultery happens in a marriage, jealousy enters the picture as the other half of the covenant is torn by infidelity. Paul’s jealousy here is for the church he raised from an infant and “gave away” to the Bridegroom, undefiled. While “adultery” had not yet taken place, Paul saw the warning signs. They lacked the signs of a healthy church, unity, Christlike love, a desire to help the poor as Jesus commanded. By Paul’s reckoning, the Corinthians were ripe for the plucking by Satan and his schemes. They were an easy mark to be led astray.
In this world, with so much temptation at our fingertips online and on TV, it is incumbent upon us to know that we are the bride awaiting the bridegroom and we are to remain faithful until the time comes for the wedding feast. We have been betrothed so let our eyes stay on the one who loves us more than anyone ever could and love him in return. That way, the schemes of the serpent will not have a leg to stand on because we stand on the solid rock and belong only to him.
Dear Lord, thank you that you loved us enough to promise us a wedding feast. May we be ready, with our garments on and let nothing come between us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church