The Reattached Bride

Imagine fifty years from now. Pretend it’s April, 2058. Rogers Heights Christian Reformed Church has just celebrated her 100th anniversary. Our denomination has moved into her 201st year. And together with our many brothers and sisters around the world, the Church, the Bride of Christ, would be heading toward her 2100th birthday.

What would be different? What would characterize this Bride? How would she look? How would she act? Whose would she be?

What do you think? I imagine a Bride who has been reattached. No longer dismembered. No longer disfigured. This Bride has all her fingers and toes (not to mention arms and legs).

I can picture her healthier complexion—more bronzed. The crow’s feet tell me she has laughed much, and the gray strands escaping her veil indicate abundant life experiences. I’m not surprised to learn of her improved vision, nor of her expanded listening skills. She is, indeed, wiser.

She returned to her first love, they say. And it was the children who led her back--back to her true self, her undivided self. Back to what God intended. A return to wholeness.

Apparently, as she spent time with her Beloved, love and joy increased within her. She became more gentle and good, more humble and submitted, more patient and kind, more self-controlled and faithful. She exuded peace. She rested in His Presence.

She repented, they say. Lands were healed. Communities transformed. Something about signs and wonders. How she rallied. How she united one strong voice against her adversary, and what a tremendous battle it was.

That’s why she walks with a limp. But she won.

Oh, there she is! Here comes the bride!

My, have you ever seen more radiance? You can see how much she’s loved! And just notice how much she reflects Him!

Do you see her?
No?
Wait.
Let me get a mirror.