MEDITATIONS FROM PAUL’S EPISTLES

 

February 6 , 2008

Reading:  Ephesians 5:23-33

 

"That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word” Eph 5:26.

 

Spiritual cleanliness is the desire and longing of every true child of God whose soul longs to be like His Savior. He cannot help himself for it is the very essence of the One who dwells within him. God is pure, holy, and without any form of sin or impurity. Oh, to be like Him is the sincere cry of our heart. Yet the cruel truth is that while we are clothed in this mortal flesh this desire is unreachable for “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” 1 John 1:8. Hence the battle that continually rages within us. This, however, is no excuse for not trying or to give up for God has made a way for our sin and uncleanliness to be dealt with:

 

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9.

 

 It is our Savior’s purpose to keep His church, His Bride pure. Last week we considered that Jesus taught us a twofold way to overcome temptation—watch and pray—Luke 21:36, now let us note two ways whereby we are able to maintain the purity God requires of His children—confess and meditate—meditate in His Word. God’s Word is the way chosen by God to “sanctify and cleanse” His Bride.

Along with the desire to be spiritually clean the child of God is given the desire to read and love His Word. Again, it is the natural thing for the true Believer for it is God’s way. God inspired the writers to write it and He inspires His children to read it and love it. If there is no love for His Word I strongly urge such a person to “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith” 2 Cor 13:5.

The Word of God exalts Jesus Christ and in so doing guides His people along the path of righteousness with the final goal of making them (Jesus and His Bride) one. The purity of Christ’s chosen is essential in order that He may take her as His Spouse and live with her throughout eternity.

Read again with joy the account of The Marriage Supper of the Lamb; that day when the last of His chosen is added to His church and His Bride is ready for the final act of union to be made:

 

“Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready” Rev 19:7.

 

How has she made herself ready? How has she prepared herself? By acknowledging and confessing her sin thereby receiving God’s cleansing, and by reading and meditating in His Word by which the Holy Spirit has sanctified and cleansed her. This desire and process is the most natural path along which the born again Believer longs to walk. He who lives within him will not guide him to walk a path contradictory to the will and purpose of Him He seeks to glorify.

 

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” Psalm 51:1-2.

 

“With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” Psalm 119:10-11.

 

“Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts” Jeremiah 15:16.