Bridegroom, King & Judge

By Pieter Hermans

Over the past year we’ve been wrestling with one another and with God about these facets of Jesus’ character.  I don’t think any of us would look back and suggest that we have exhausted them, rather we’ve encountered the invitation to enter into the mystery of who He is still more and more.  Personally, I found myself, after 10 years in the house of prayer, invited to re-consecrate myself after these different facets of our calling…

Intimacy

As a Bridegroom Jesus is after our hearts.  We can’t keep our hearts guarded while we serve Him - at the very foundation of our calling is to know Him, to love Him and from that place of intimacy to serve Him. Jesus is calling us to consecrate ourselves to a wholehearted and sacrificial pursuit of intimacy with Him.

Worship

As a King Jesus is after our worship.  Often when we’re busy serving the kingdom, we find ourselves operating in our own power or forgetting that His kingdom is not like those of this world.  His power is made perfect in our weakness, but how often do we build his kingdom by embracing our weakness and exalting His glory that will one day cover the earth? Jesus is calling us to consecrate ourselves to exalt Him with night & day worship.

Intercession

As a Judge Jesus is after our prayer. Without the understanding of His heart & power, the message of his judgement can leave us discouraged or offended.  But God isn’t looking to provoke condemnation with the message of his judgement, but to provoke repentance and a heartfelt cry for mercy on behalf of the lost. Jesus is calling us to consecrate ourselves to persistent intercession on behalf of the city.