The Lord as Our Physician vs. The Lord as Our Bridegroom
Psalm 103:1-4 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy."
Ephesians 5:25-27 "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."
Item |
The Lord as Our Physician |
The Lord as Our Bridegroom |
---|---|---|
Reason |
We are sinners in need of healing and salvation |
We need to establish an intimate relationship with Christ |
Explanation |
The Lord comes as a physician to heal, restore, revive, and save us |
The Lord not only heals us but also makes us His bride |
Example |
Jesus calling Matthew the tax collector (Matt. 9:9-13) |
Jesus comparing Himself to a bridegroom (Matt. 9:14-15) |
Application |
Accept the Lord's healing, become citizens of the heavenly kingdom |
Enjoy an intimate relationship with the Lord, live in His presence |
Related Scriptures |
Matthew 8:2-16, 28-32 Matthew 9:2-11 Psalm 107:17-22 Romans 3:10 "As it is written: 'None is righteous, no, not one.'" Luke 18:9 "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt." Exodus 15:22-27 "For I am the Lord, your healer." |
Matthew 9:14-15 "And Jesus said to them, 'Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.'" Genesis 24 (The story of Abraham finding a wife for Isaac, typifying the Holy Spirit seeking a bride for Christ) Philippians 3:12-13 "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own." |
Characteristics |
1. Heals with mercy and grace 2. Calls sinners, not the self-righteous 3. Healing reconstitutes us as new heavenly citizens |
1. Makes followers into companions and bride 2. Enables us to enjoy living in His presence 3. The Holy Spirit adorns us with Christ's riches |
Purpose |
Restore life, establish the heavenly kingdom |
Build an intimate relationship, prepare the bride |
This updated table includes more detailed scriptural references, helping us to understand more deeply the roles of the Lord Jesus as both our Physician and our Bridegroom. These scriptures demonstrate God's plan for our healing, salvation, and intimate relationship with Him, as well as our role and responsibility in this process.
*Please refer to the 2024 Summer Live Training - Experiencing, Enjoying, and Expressing Christ (1) Message One: Christ as the Great Light, the One with Authority, the Physician, the Bridegroom, the Unfulled Cloth, and the New Wine