THIS IS ME

Proverbs 31 – could be the most ‘fearful’, ‘dreadful’ chapter of all time – if you happen to be a woman!

The epitome of a good wife… Meh!

BUT

Maybe – just maybe – this chapter of Proverbs, strategically placed by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,  can be seen in a different way, interpreted not through the lens of a man but through the eyes of Jesus and His BRIDE.

THIS IS US!

From verse 10 through the end of the book of Proverbs, we have an acrostic poem. It is alphabetical in structure, with each of the 22 verses beginning with a consecutive Hebrew letter of the alphabet. The implication is that the perfections of this woman would exhaust the entire language. The subject is the perfect bride… an allegory of the end-time victorious bride of Jesus Christ, full of virtue and grace.” (TPT Footnote – oh how I love footnotes)

This excited me – thrilled my soul, set me free!

BUT

I am still part of this – so are you…

THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE OF CHRIST – THE CHURCH!

10 “She is a woman of strength and mighty valour.” 

The Hebrew word is Khayil, translated “mighty; wealthy; excellent; morally righteous; full of substance, integrity, abilities, and strength; mighty like an army”

10 “The price paid for her was far greater than many jewels”

Jesus’ blood was her price – His sacrifice paid for us. We are worth it for Him – He considered the JOY set before Him as He endured the pain of paying for us – His bride.

THIS IS US!

11 “Her Husband has entrusted his heart to her”

The most wonderful yet sobering truth – Jesus has entrusted His heart to US! We are His poetry (Eph 2:10) – He has chosen us to reveal His innermost secrets, His heart, His deepest thoughts and desires. Am I revealing that heart to those who don’t know Him? Am I representing Him well? He has entrusted me to do that – not angels, not animals or scenery…..me and you – we get to reveal His heart.

THIS IS US!

13 “She finds wool and flax and busily spins it”.

Wool is a metaphor often used as a symbol of purity. Flax speaks of righteousness. Linen is made from flax – the Old Testament priests wore linen garments as they went before God’s Presence to offer sacrifices. Jesus has dressed us in garments of righteousness (flax and wool), He is the sacrifice. The church will be seeking for only that which is pure and righteous in the eyes of her Bridegroom. We are covered with garments that He has given us!

THIS IS US!

15 “Even in the night season she arises and sets food on the table for the hungry ones in her house and for others.”

Arises can also mean to rise up in power. The Bride of Christ will arise in power and anointing to feed and bless the people of God and others.

THIS IS US!

16 “She goes to inspect a field and buys it” (NLT)

or “She sets her heart upon a nation and takes it as her own carrying it within her. She labours there to plant a vine.”(TPT)

OH – the nations are God’s and we should be passionate about other nations, praying for, caring about, seeing them through Jesus’ eyes, planting churches (vineyards)!

I am reminded of a couple who used to be on our leadership team, but have since moved to Japan - Adrian and Catherine! They cried over that nation, carried it in their hearts and are now tending a ‘vineyard’ in that nation. We as a church are part of that. Are we continuing to carry them and their new nation in our prayers and heart? Do we weep over Zimbabwe and her crises? Do we cry out to God about Syria, Congo? South Africa? Let’s take the nations and carry them within us.

THIS IS US!

19 “She lays hold of the wheels of government”(TPT)

or “Her hands hold the spindle”(NKJ).

Spindle can also mean “governmental circuits” or “wheels” (see Ezekiel & Daniel)

I always say that I want to be the minister of Education! Come on church, we have an opportunity to take a hold of the wheels of government – in prayer or in position – let’s rise up in the power of the Spirit and begin to affect change in our government. He empowers us, He gives us words to say. He entrusts us to do this – that is wonderful, it’s exciting, it’s revolutionary – we have “good works that He has prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

THIS IS US!

25 “She is clothed with dignity and strength and she laughs without fear of the future”(NLT)

or “Bold power and glorious majesty are wrapped around her as she laughs with joy over the latter days”(TPT)

The victorious bride has no fear of the future – eternity awaits her with a Bridegroom who will love her for eternity.

JOY! BOLD POWER! GLORIOUS MAJESTY!

HER HUSBAND PRAISES HER.

THIS IS US!

20 “She’s known for her extravagant generosity to the poor, always reaching out her hands to those in need.

21 She’s not afraid of tribulation.

22 Dressed in fine linen (righteousness) and purple gowns (royalty, wealth).

Her shining light will not be extinguished.

26 Her teachings are filled with wisdom and kindness. Loving instruction pours from her lips.

27 She watches over her household and meets their needs.”

THIS IS US!

Oh… I have to stop!

I think the writer of this section could have gone on and on – extolling the Bride, revealing her true character, exploring her depths, understanding all that she is and all that she does – it’s mind blowing to think… THIS IS US!

WE ARE THE CHURCH

THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

THE HOPE OF ALL NATIONS

IMPACTFUL AND EMPOWERED

LOVED BY CHRIST

THIS IS US!