Some time ago, a good friend, that I have known from our College days, sent me photos of his daughter’s wedding. The wedding took place in a beautiful setting, and, as expected, all were dressed to the hilt. As I was looking through the photos, I noticed something very strange. The bride had on combat boots. I took a double take on that one; a bride ready for battle. What a hoot! I don’t know all that was intended, in this break from tradition, but, I am sure, it did get a few chuckles. (Just to note, the bridegroom was barefoot.)
From time to time, I have thought about that scene and inwardly thought how true it is; even a bride needs to be ready for war. I can’t help but look at this as an analogy of the Church as being the Bride of Christ. Paul makes this connection when talking about the union between a man and a woman. He said that marriage should reflect the union that exists between Christ and the Church. (Ephesians 5:32) In the book of Revelation, there is pictured a scene in Heaven in which the Lamb and the Bride are about to be married. (19:7-9) There is great rejoicing for the fulfilment of this long awaited union. I don’t know if the Bride of Christ will have her boots on in Heaven, but she sure needs them while she is here on earth.
A bride is called a bride even before the marriage. Her new identity is connected to the hope set before her. The promise is, in and of itself, a commitment and covenant. There is no turning back; she is making herself ready for that DAY. This bride’s engagement attire is the Armor of God. This battle dress is to protect her from any evil-intended suitors. Paul reminded the Corinthian church that he had betrothed them to one husband, Christ, and if they were not careful, they could be led astray, by means of deception, from a sincere devotion to Him. There are “other” Jesus’, spirits and gospels, in this world, that are vying for the Bride’s affection. (2 Corinthians 11:1-4)
In looking at the armor, I am especially attracted to the “boots”. Paul was describing the Roman soldier’s attire and so the boots are more like specially modified sandals. There was a part that protect the shins, called the greave, and the shoe part was enforced with spikes on the soles and toe. This was to give the soldier the gripping ability necessary to stand his ground. The last thing in a soldier’s mind was to turn around and run from the enemy. Look how Paul describes the purpose of these Roman combat boots: “…that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil…that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm…Stand therefore…” (Ephesians 6:11,13, 14)
The bride’s ability to stand firm is seen in the explanation of the metaphor given by Paul. He said that these shoes were the “readiness given by the gospel of peace”. (v.15) The good news of the gospel is that the enemy is under the feet of Jesus. As the Scriptures say: “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” (1 Corinthians 15:27) This conquering Bridegroom of ours has given us the victory. By being betrothed to Christ, we are “in Him” and we have what He has. His victory is our victory. As the enemy is under His feet, he his under our feet as well. We can walk in peace, confident, knowing that we are Christ’s warrior Bride.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Romans 16:20; Ephesians 5:32; 6:15; Revelations 19:7-9; 1 Corinthians 15:25; Hebrews 2:7-8