If you've been listening to the podcast this week, you'll know that we've been thinking

together about some of the New Testament pictures for the church.

And incidentally, if this is the first time you've heard things unseen, let me welcome

you to join everyone else who listens each weekday.

And we've talked about the church as the body of Christ and about the Lord's flock.

And today I thought it was time to mention the bride of Christ.

Like flock, it's a picture that was already used for ancient Israel.

You'll remember the amazing passage in Ezekiel 16, where God describes his relationship

with his people.

They were nothing.

They were like a baby that had been discarded at the side of the road.

Her body and wash, no swaddling clothes, wrapping her at all.

And then he gave her life, caused her to flourish.

And then Ezekiel, speaking on God's behalf, changes the metaphor.

Israel is no longer an infant but grown into young woman who'd ready for love and marriage,

so the Lord married her and adorned her.

But then sadly she trusted in her beauty and in the riches the Lord had given and prostituted

them.

A reminiscent of the story of Huzia, isn't it?

But then we also remember the Lord's words in Huzia 11.

How can I give you up, O Ephraim?

How can I hand you over, O Israel?

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