A Chapter for the Church

She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” (Proverbs 31:26-29) ESV

It’s Mother’s Day this weekend. What a wonderful time to celebrate the gift of motherhood. The several moms who are in your lives are all important to honor. Each year when this day comes around, I’m thankful for all the ladies in my life who are moms. It was Mother’s Day that prompted this muse.

At the Northwest Nazarene District Lead Retreat, our speaker, Drew Berryessa stopped me in my tracks when he was talking about this famous chapter. Ever before I had understood it to be the model of godly womanhood, and it is. However, Drew added a thought to my mind which was confirmed to my heart, and one which I want to share with you.

Proverbs 31 is a descriptor of YOU regardless of your sex, because God has ordained and desires you, man, woman, and child, to be a part of his CHURCH, and as such she is Christ’s bride. This glorious woman is pictured in Proverbs 31.

I will never look at this chapter the same way again, EVER! The connection to Christ and his church is unmistakable as bridegroom and bride. Paul does this in Ephesians 5, but this picture of a woman who is clearly a bride and a mother in Proverbs 31, fitting that of Christ’s church, is so striking I must pause in wonder as I read it again (for the first time). Maybe you can too as you ask yourself perhaps the same questions I’m asking: “Do we fit this picture as part of the community of believers? As we strive to offer Jesus to our city do we look like her? As we purpose to become disciple-makers to those God places in our lives? Does Jesus say of us, “Many have done excellently, but you surpass them all?”

Prayer for today: Father, I want to measure up to the beauty of your bride. May your Spirit empower me to be the beauty you desire. May my life reflect your love and your truth to the world around me.

Blessings,

Pastor Wes