Today I am reposting an article I wrote for COTT a few days ago. I hope you enjoy reading it here if you missed it over there:
Reading all the excerpts shared at Clash of the Titles this month, and discussing falling for heroes, has made me think back to other tender scenes I've encountered. Many stories make our hearts beat faster or awaken a deep longing within us—both in books and movies—and one such story is The Notebook. Yeah, yeah, it's often ridiculed by the guys. But women everywhere swoon. Why? Because in the movie we see a man who loves a woman—even when she doesn't know him.
Sound familiar?
We've been having a pitter-patter love fest here at COTT the past few weeks with all these Romantic Moments--by Lorna Seilstad, Elaine Marie Cooper, Joanne Troppello, and Karen Witemeyer--and as we come down off the sugar rush of Valentine's candy it occurred to me that no Valentine's month would be complete without focusing on our first love. And I don't mean the boy you kissed behind the bleachers in seventh grade, or even prince charming. I'm talking about the King of Kings. Today I thought it only appropriate to turn my eyes upward.
John 1:10 tells us that He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
So The Notebook in this way is a picture of Christ loving his bride, the church. Christ is the lover of our souls!
We also read in Romans 5:8 that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. And from John 15:13 we know Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
His love is not based on what we do or how we look. It's not based on seduction, flirtation, or how we make Him feel. He loves us for who we are; He loves us when we are exposed.
Isn't it breath-takingly romantic when a husband finds his wife most beautiful first thing in the morning, before she's applied her makeup and arranged her hair just right? So also, we need no "beauty tricks" to win Him. We don't need to hide our flaws, whether physical or spiritual. We couldn't if we tried—all things are laid bare before Him. And yet He loves us. Enough to die.
That's what I call a hero.
Thank you, Jesus, for rescuing me and drawing me into your embrace; for loving me with all my flaws exposed. I'm deep in love with you, Lord.
What other pictures of Christ have you found in romantic stories? Or, share how He captures your heart.
2 comments:
He NEVER ceases to amaze me! Especially how He uses us in those "for such a time as this" moments. I was recently transferred to a new store. And needlesstosay, there was one woma in particular that has had it in for me since day one. I have always treated her w/kindness no matter what. And its been REALLY hard at times. Yesterday she had a family emergency that prompted me to grab her hands and start praying for her and her family. I felt Gods presence ever so strong. Before she left she thanked me and was amazed at my kind words in spite of our "relationship". As always Gods word proved true, "love conquers all!" Praise the Lord for using me, though my flesh didn't want too!
That's awesome, Patricia! He is truly eager to use those who are available, even when we don't feel equipped. And the blessing is ours when He see what He does through us. =)
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