The Fruitful Bride of Christ

4/13 Reading Portions: Leviticus 17; Psalm 20-21; Proverbs 31; 1 Timothy 2

Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:31

As we know, marriage was instituted in the beginning because it proclaims the gospel. It reflects the relationship between the Lord Jesus and His beloved bride (Eph 5:25). Understanding this, Proverbs 31:10-31 becomes an incredible, encouraging, and empowering truth. Christ’s bride is a fruitful church, not sitting idly on her hands. She is full of activity for her Lord’s glory and exaltation. She trusts the Lord Jesus implicitly and proclaims His kingdom boldly (Pro 31:11). The church guards herself against sin and does all she can to please her Lord (Pro 31:12, 23), making Christ’s righteousness known to all, and is unafraid of the judgment to come (Pro 31:24-25). She works diligently to clothe the children of God with Christ’s gospel and with His amazing grace (Pro 31:13, 21). There is no depth too unfathomable nor distance too far for her to bring the gospel truth of the Bread of Life into her dwelling place to nourish the entire congregation and all her ministers (Pro 31:14-15). The Lord’s church invests in His promised land and brings forth fruit faithfully (Pro 31:16), recognizing that the source of her strength is the grace of God (Pro 31:17), and that all Christ gives is profitable (Pro 31:18a), for His light is eternal (Pro 31:18b). Christ’s church is patient and meticulous in tedious duties (Pro 31:19) and is merciful to the poor and generous toward their needs (Pro 31:20). Gospel wisdom and practical truth drips from her tongue (Pro 31:21), teaching God’s children to labor for gospel bread that does not perish (Pro 31:27). Yes, there are local gatherings who profess to know Christ, yet adorn themselves with deceitful gimmicks (charm) and vain entertainments (beauty) in pretentious display (Pro 31:30a). Christ’s true church, however, fears the Lord (Pro 13:30b), is praised by Christ and His children (Pro 31:28), eats the fruit of her labors (Pro 31:31a), and is praised of God for her work (Pro 31:31b). Hallelujah! What a Savior!

The church is Christ’s most blessed wife,
More precious than choice gems:
The local church should have such life
As gospel works from them.

“The Fruitful Bride of Christ” Proverbs 31:31

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