Praise In the Presence of GodSample

Constancy of Devotion Ephesians 5:20–33 not only points to the demanding nature of commitment needed by a husband and wife to make a marriage work, it also concludes with these sweeping words: “I speak concerning Christ and the church” (v. 32)! The concept of true faith in Christ, and His faithful commitment to His own, is inextricably linked throughout God’s Word to the figure of a faithful, growing marriage. Jesus communicated this idea in His parable of the returning bridegroom (see Matt. 25:1–3). His use of the figure fills the bridegroom/bride relationship with more than passion—the central issue is fidelity to a promise on the groom’s part and constancy of devotion on the bride’s. The message: Time can dampen fervor, but true love transcends emotion and remains committed. The Leading Edge