Project Description

2014/09

A Word To Women

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world,
that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.”
(Ephesians 1:4)

We all love a wedding, don’t we? And when it’s in our own family, it’s a very special time, during the lead up, and on the day itself. What about that dress? Will the reception meet expectations? How will the speeches go? What will the guests wear? Yes, weddings always cause quite a stir – especially with the ladies!

However, Christians know that marriage is much more than the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations. It is a solemn covenant before God (Malachi 2:14), the union of a man and a woman for life (Genesis 2:24), and it merits highest regard because God deems it “honourable” (Hebrews 13:4).

One not so well known Bible bride is Asenath, wife of Joseph. Genesis 41:45 tells us that she was the daughter of Potipherah, priest of On, brought up in paganism, knowing nothing of Joseph’s God. Her husband-to-be had been elevated to a position of great power and majesty, so Asenath is brought from obscurity and from a dark past to share in the glory of her bridegroom. She had nothing to do with this development; she was chosen by Pharaoh and given to Joseph. In other words, there was nothing special about Asenath; she was the subject of a sovereign choice.

Asenath is, in this, a picture of the Church, the Bride of Christ. As Asenath was given to Joseph, so the church is the Father’s gift to His Son (John 6:37). There is no explanation for why we, the redeemed, were chosen by Him; we are the objects of His grace and love (Ephesians 2:4-5). God chose us, as His bride, in eternity past (Ephesians 1:4). He called us effectually to Himself for salvation (John 6:44). And He has also elevated us to be ‘new creatures’ in Christ, possessing all the privileges of the sons of God (John 1:12).

Asenath’s wedding day anticipates the marriage of the Lamb, when the Church will be presented to Christ. What fellowship and joy there is for friends and family at a wedding! But earthly marriages fade into insignificance compared to that day when Christ will receive His Bride. The marriage of the Lamb is come and His wife has made herself ready (Revelation 19:7). Are you ready for that great wedding feast? Have you made preparation? Will you be found wearing the wedding garment?

Asenath and Joseph had two boys, Ephraim and Manasseh, who would lead two of the tribes of Israel. Asenath was plucked out of obscurity to play a part in God’s purpose for the nation of Israel. And that is what the Lord has done for His elect people. He has saved us to serve Him and to proclaim His great salvation (Ephesians 2:10). Imagine using obscure, helpless, unknowns like us for His glory! What a mystery! What a privilege! What a responsibility!

Asenath’s life was changed forever when she met Joseph. And it is so with us too: our past sins have been blotted out. Isaiah 55:7 tells us that the Lord will ‘abundantly pardon’ – literally ‘multiply to pardon’ – all those who forsake their sin and come to Him.  He pardons all sorts of sins and all sorts of sinners. That is the sentiment of Samuel Davis’ wonderful hymn based on the words of Micah 7:18:

Pardon – from an offended God!
Pardon – for sins of deepest dye!
Pardon – bestowed through Jesus’ blood!
Pardon – that brings the rebel nigh.
Who is a pardoning God like Thee
Or who has grace, so rich and free?

Asenath’s wedding day was memorable, not because she married the most important man in Egypt, but because her union with Joseph introduced her to a pardoning and forgiving God! That pardon and forgiveness may be yours too, if you come to Christ, repenting of sin, and receiving Him as Saviour and Lord.

Alison Armstrong.