The Secret: How Do You See Love?نموونە

Father of the Bride

Written By: Danny Saavedra

“I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ.”—2 Corinthians 11:2b (NLT)

I have a six-month old daughter. My little Zoë is so beautiful. She is active, talkative, super smiley, and affectionate. I love her so much. And now that I have a daughter, every time I see commercials, TV shows, or movies about fathers and daughters in scenarios like quinceañera party (What can I say? We’re Cuban!), first boyfriend, or going off to college, I get a little emotional. Why? Because I know that one day, that’s going to be my little Zoë and me! But you know which scenario gets to me the most? Her wedding day... walking her down the aisle, giving her away.

In today’s verse, the apostle Paul is using a play off of Proverbs 19:14 (NIV), where it says, “A prudent wife is from the LORD” (italics added). The picture being painted here is that of the father who gives his daughter in marriage, and that’s what Paul is claiming. He’s calling himself the spiritual father of the Corinthians church (1 Corinthians 4:15), which makes him the father of the bride! And he is walking her down the aisle to her bridegroom, Christ.

Now, as I picture myself walking Zoë down the aisle, I can’t imagine a scenario where any young man standing at the end of the aisle is going to be good enough for my precious daughter. I mean, come on! She’s my daughter, the spitting image of my wife. She is my baby girl, my little sweetie. How can anyone be good enough?

Paul, however, had no reservations, no hesitation, no desire to hold on to his daughter because the One at the end of the aisle is the only One who is worthy! He was confident and excited to present this church to her Bridegroom, as Paul knew she would be well taken care of, loved unconditionally. Because standing at the end of the aisle is the One who loves the bride so much that He, being the Kings of kings, made Himself a servant, and gave His life to save the bride.

Today, I want you to remember this: You are the bride and you belong to Jesus Christ. There is no more exciting or beautiful idea than that!

DIG: Is there anyone in your life who you would consider your spiritual son or daughter? 

DISCOVER: How have you prepared them through discipleship to present them to Christ?

DISPLAY: As you pray today, thank the Lord for giving us our Bridegroom, Christ.