The Unveiling of Jesus as Judge, Part 2 - By Mike McClung

[We are reposting the next few articles from a few years ago because they seem to be relevant to what the Lord is doing lately.]

We are a bride awaiting our bridegroom

Jesus is returning for a bride that is without spot or wrinkle. We know that Jesus must have a bride that bears His image. The bride, who is the church, must make herself ready (Rev. 19:7-8). If we examine the betrothal process of the Hebrew culture, we can begin to understand how to embrace the intimate relationship the Lord desires.

It was customary for a Hebrew young man to prepare a Ketubah, a marriage contract (a covenant), which he presented to his intended bride and her father. Included in this covenant was the Bride Price, an appropriate gesture in Jewish society meant to compensate the young woman’s parents for the cost of raising her. In addition, and more importantly, the payment was considered an expression of the man’s love for his intended bride. This betrothal covenant was legally binding once the bride and her family accepted the terms of his Ketubah.

Bridal-Priestly Garments By Mike McClung

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” (Rev. 22:17a).

It is imperative that the church enter into the “bridal” identity designed for her by the Father on behalf of the Son.  It has been the Father’s intention, from all eternity, to have the Son’s desire for an eternal companion fulfilled. (John 17:22-26.)  The theme is continuous from Genesis through Revelation, and all throughout human history, that the purpose of humanity is to be the eternal companion of the Son of God.

The “bridal identity” of the church, by default, means entering into our identity as intimate, passionate lovers and partners of the Lord Jesus, in His Person and His work.  The bridal identity of the church is summed up in the reality of becoming a kingdom of priests. (1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6.)  Priestly ministry primarily involves worship and intercession.  The principle ministry of the Lord Jesus, right now, is as the great Intercessor. (Heb. 7:25.)  It is imperative that the bride enter into the fullness of her priestly identity before her “kingly” authority can be fully released.  Jesus is the King-Priest after the order of Melchizedek. (Psalm 110:4; Heb. 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:15.)  Therefore it follows that we, the bride of Christ, are made of the same royal priesthood, called to exercise authority and dominion.  This is first and foremost expressed through agreement with who God is (worship) and what God wants to do (intercession).  From this place of unwavering agreement in worship and intercession, the authority, power, grace, mercy and justice of the Lord are released from heaven to earth.  This happens as the bride of Christ faithfully agrees with the Lord in worship and intercession.  This bridal agreement creates an opening between heaven and earth, and the kingdom of God invades earth bringing transformation and harvest.