I am a Whore

Singer and songwriter Derek Webb wrote in his song "Wedding Dress" that:

"I am a whore I do confess
But I put you on just like a wedding dress
and I run down the aisle
and I run down the aisle
I'm a prodigal with no way home
but I put you on just like a ring of gold
and I run down the aisle to you."

Scripture teaches that the Church is the bride of Christ.  As a member of the Church, I, too, am apart of the bride of Christ.  Yet, just as a wife can be unfaithful to her husband I have been unfaithful to Christ.  Throughout my marriage to Christ, I have often "slept" with the idols of Sports, Careers, Sinful Temptations, and whomever else appeared to be offering a satisfying albeit temporary gratification.  Each time I did so I committed spiritual adultery.

In the book of Hosea, the prophet Hosea is asked to go and to marry a prostitute named Gomer.  Gomer is a woman whom has spent her life sleeping with men for money.  Once married, she eventually turns her back on her husband and returns to her sinful lifestyle.  Forsaking the man who has fulfilled her needs of money, a home, food, and clothing, she returns to her former lifestyle. 

Yet, Hosea is told to remain faithful to her despite her unfortunate decisions.  The point of the story is that Hosea is told to act out physically what has happened to the nation of Israel spiritually.  They have turned from the Living God to worship foreign gods and to participate in idolatry.

The truth is that spiritually I have done the same.  "I am a whore" and "I do confess".  I am the one whom has turned from Christ at periods in my life for the pursuit of worldly pleasures that so easily satisfy.  Yet, it is Christ whom has been that faithful groom.  It is He whom has been perfect to me.  The beginning of the song begins from the perspective of Jesus when it says:

"If you could love me as a wife
and for my wedding gift, your life"

God has asked you and I to be a perfect bride and present to the groom as a wedding gift your life.  Each of us has sinned and turned from Christ.  I don't need to ask you if you, like me, are a "whore". Each of us has turned from God and pursued someone else.

The question for you now, though, is: "Will you put Him on just like a wedding dress?  Will you run down the aisle?  Will you put Him on just like a ring of gold and run down the aisle?"

I pray that you do.

Joshua