2 Chronicles 10:1-11:23; Ezekiel 34:1-31; John 13:1-30
Christ…loved the church, and gave himself for it. Ephesians 5:25
No man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church. Ephesians 5:29
That he might present it to himself a glorious church. Ephesians 5:27
In the order set out above, these verses speak of Christ’s relationship to the church in the past, present and future. The cost of the church (v. 25) is illustrated by Eve, the complement for Adam from his wounded side. The cherishing of the church (v. 29) reminds us of how Isaac loved Rebekah, his comfort after the death of Sarah. The consummation of the church (v. 27) is reflected in Asenath, Joseph’s consort in the glory that followed his suffering. —Phil Coulson
I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me.
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree. —William Featherstone