Identity: The Bride of Christ
Easter is on the way!
I can’t think of a better way to get ready to celebrate than by remembering what Jesus did, and how that changed who we are—always and forever.
He took all of our yuck and sin, and replaced it with His beauty. He freed us from all our strongholds— He traded places with us.
And all this after becoming us—becoming human!
He went through all the torture, pain and suffering because He wanted to be able to be with us.
He wants a relationship with us!
We are the joy set before him—being able to be with us is the prize that he clung too while enduring all of the unimaginable suffering.
Imagine that kind of Love! Literally laying down His life so He could give a life to us:
A life of abundant freedom, joy unimaginable.
A life lived with Him, for Him and because of Him.
Years ago I wrote a poem about this, and the transformation and freedom He gave us when he died on the cross. I always wanted to put that poem to art, but could figure out how to capture it all in one painting.
Then I got into collage, and realized I could literally put the whole thing in my painting!
And that is what this Bride of Christ painting is all about. The culmination of all He made us to be, so we will be ready as His bride.
(FYI-the words are clear on the print!)
Garments
Copyright by Merri Lewis 2010
It’s time for a change of apparel, it seems
These garments no longer fit
The dark sweats of shame do not compare
to the beautiful garments of praise
My Savior has wrapped me in new clothes today
They are beautiful, made for royalty
It is hard to imagine how He intended
These gem-laden garments for me
The crown of beauty is on my head
The oil of joy flowing down
As God claimed me as one of his own
The spirit of despair was cast down.
He’s turned my tragedy to treasure
He took my filthy ash-covered self
Wiped off my face and my head and my heart
He replaced it with heavenly wealth
So now I accept his healing touch
The reflections too much to bear
Unworthy, I am but made worthy by Him
It’s time to exit this lair
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He’s unbinding the bondage while binding my heart
breaking the links of the chain
With gentle love and skilled hands
He is healing my pain
From trembling to bravery
from fear to boldness
I step out anew on this day
I trust Him with what He has done
And I’m hearing the words that He says
“All beautiful you are, my darling
there is no flaw in you”
Your words pierce through my heart
“Show me your face, let me hear your voice”
I look in the mirror- I fear falling apart
“For your voice is sweet and your face is lovely”
I believe what you say, I am ready to start
Adopting the way that you think
transforming my mind, renewing my life
no longer will I hide or flee
All yours, I am
Now courageous and strong
Conquering strongholds within
Free to be who you fully intended
when you carefully crafted me