In the Old Testament, God is referred to as our husband. This is more fully defined when one considers the idea in Revelation where the Church, all believers, are called the Bride of Christ. God in His grace and wisdom is actually both. He is the one who cares for widows and says He will be their husband. Isaiah’s words spoken to the Israelites were an encouragement to them. He wanted them to know in spite of their past sins, God was there steadfast and true. He would stand with them.
Isaiah 54:6 “Fear not, for you will not be ashamed;
be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced;
for you will forget the shame of your youth,
and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.” Isaiah begins in verse 6 with truths about no fear and no shame, all will be forgotten which was so reassuring and then he launches into a glorious piece of scripture that shows God as husband, redeemer, Lord of Hosts, and God of the whole earth.
Isaiah 54:5-8 “For your Maker is your husband, God is creator, husband
the Lord of hosts is his name; Lord of Hosts
and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, Holy one of Israel, Redeemer
the God of the whole earth he is called. God of the whole earth.
6 For the Lord has called you
like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit,
like a wife of youth when she is cast off, God saw your pain
says your God.
7 For a brief moment I deserted you, You were deserted, to Babylon for a brief time
but with great compassion I will gather you.
8 In overflowing anger for a moment
I hid my face from you,
but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” God loves you.
says the Lord, your Redeemer.
The relationship between husband and wife is a picture of God and His people. The husband is to care for his wife as Christ loves the believers. In Revelation, Christ is named as the Lamb and the Church, all believers, are to be His Bride! There will be a huge feast in heaven to celebrate.
Revelation 19:7-8 “Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.” The Bride of Christ is clothed in fine line, bright and pure which represents the righteous deeds done by believers in the name of Christ.
What about these images brings you peace and hope? I take comfort in knowing that God is my husband and stands in with all widows and those who are alone. I know the relationship of husband and wife is a caring one where God will watch over me as no one else ever can. Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can participate in the marriage of the Lamb in heaven and until then He will be with me standing beside me and upholding me. The wedding feast will be a joyous event as all the Church will be with Him in heaven.
Linda




















