The Covert Bride of Christ

The groom, in his perfectly pressed tuxedo, follows the pastor out before the altar and the crowd of people.  He stands there nervously as the music plays and the procession of groomsmen and bridesmaids slowly march in.  Then the moment comes that everyone is waiting for.  People look around anxiously to see the bride.

The pastor steps forward with a smile on his face.  “Will everyone please bow their heads and close their eyes.  Yes, just close your eyes and no looking around.”

“If the bride who will be marrying this man, Joe Green, is here will she please raise her hand?  While everyone’s head is bowed and eyes closed.  Yes. I see that hand.”

With the bride now having declared herself, the ceremony proceeds and no one is the wiser about who the woman is that just married Joe Green.  That is ridiculous isn’t it?  But we Christians do just that all the time, and we think it is normal.  We become the Covert Bride of Christ.

Is there a Christian alive who has not been to a service where when the time for an altar call, the pastor makes sure no one is watching?  That is exactly what the above story illustrates.  We certainly can not make anyone feel uncomfortable about accepting Jesus as Savior.

Romans 10: 9-10 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

We are not to hide Christ in our lives from others.  We are expected to publicly declare Him.  How would the groom feel if his bride didn’t want to be seen with him?  Such a marriage would not last long.

How often have you hidden the lover of your soul from friends and co-workers?  If you have, the reason is simple, you are ashamed of Christ.  Confess Him before men and He will confess you before the Father.

Matthew 10:32 "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven."

The one who was tortured and murdered on the cross for you, deserves to have you standing beside Him for all the world to see.  Christians have died throughout history because they would not hide their faith.  Make a pledge to Jesus today.  “I will stand beside you and confess you before anyone who comes into my life.  You are my lord and my God.  I am nothing without you.”

Photo Credit: Casamentos (24) by Decio Almo Fotógrafo