QUOTE:Christ’s resurrection raises our hope, because by seeing Christ our head rise again we hope that we also shall rise again… Christ raises us up first as a victor in order to set free is captive. Second, like a doctor to heal the sick. Third, like a lawyer to acquit a defendant. Fourth, like a brave person who defends the weak. Fifth, as a husband to take pleasure in his spouse. (Thomas Aquinas, Sermon on the Apostle’s Creed, 1273 AD)
COMMENTARY:
Aquinas sets out five ways in which the resurrection fills the redeemed sinner with hope. First, he presents Jesus as the soldier, the one who has shown himself able to defeat evil and death- the victor. Then as the healer of our ailments, next as our legal defender from any accuser, followed by him as our personal body (spirit) guard, and finally as the one who takes pleasure in us. To deliver these gifts to us, Jesus rose from the grave.
Christ also rises as Husband. Moses, Jesus tells his disciples when they ask about divorce, permitted divorce and allowed Israel and Judah to "put away your wives because of the hardness of your hearts"
ReplyDeleteBy dying on the cross, and God raising Him from the dead, showing him to be Lord, God, through the Lord Jesus Christ was free to marry, not only Judah, and the Lost Sheep of Israel, but the Gentile nations as well .
Betrothed now, to be consumated at His Return, when the New Jerusalem descends from heaven, the Universe has been invited to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
By working out our own salvation with fear and trembling, we endevour to be clothed in His righteousness as the proper "wedding garment".
For many are called but few are chosen.