April 23: THE KING IS COMING (part 2)
One prominent symbol in biblical prophecy is the representation of the people of God as a woman. When Adam first laid eyes on Eve, he said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” (Genesis 2:23) This introduction is a memorable example of “love at first sight.” Adam was drawn to this being who was like himself; and, of course, by God’s design, he was drawn to the obvious differences as well, for they complemented him. After the happy occupation of naming the animals (Genesis 2:19), Adam was infinitely more delighted with the woman. She was beautiful – and he loved her!
The LORD said, “I have likened the daughter of Zion To a lovely and delicate woman.” (Jeremiah 6:2 – see also Isaiah 51:16) His love and fierce sense of protection over her compare to a husband’s love for his wife. When the LORD beholds His people, He sees them through His all-knowing spiritual lens of their future condition – totally redeemed – based upon their faith in the Lamb of God who is able to completely remove sin – and all its residue. His bride is beautiful to Him! He knows she is delicate! He joyfully “dresses” her in light, as described thusly: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars (Revelation 12:1). This woman stands firmly upon redemption foretold: the sacrificial system in the Old Testament that reflected beforehand the sacrifice of Christ at the cross, just as the moon reflects the light of the sun. She is robed in the light of Christ, the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2), who came to fulfill the LORD’s promise to His people (see Matthew 21:5). Her influence in the world is like the faithful leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel and of the Apostolic Church, hence the garland of twelve stars symbolizing an enlightened mind that lights her countenance. Those who look to Him are radiant (Psalm 34:5a ESV).
There is also a different kind of woman. Athaliah was a wicked and ruthless queen, having a character that opposes the beautiful woman in the eyes of the LORD. She symbolizes a church who presents itself as God’s people, yet the only beauty it possesses is mere outward adornment. Empowered by Satan, Athaliah’s actions were all toward the goal of self-exaltation. To kill those who got in her way was expedient. The Bible speaks of the true woman and the false woman in comparison (Proverbs 9). The false woman gains followers by mixing in lies with bits of truth. This “mixing” of lies with some truth has proven to confuse and/or deceive most of the world. These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful (Revelation 17:14).
Indeed the LORD has proclaimed To the end of the world: “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Surely your salvation is coming: Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him.’” And they shall call them The Holy People, The Redeemed of the LORD. Isaiah 62:11-12a (see also Revelation 22:12)