The word “paradigm” means perspective or view. We see the Kingdom as if through the eyes of a wholehearted Bride whose love is loyal and devoted. Thus, we refer to the “bridal perspective” of the Kingdom of God. Being the Bride of Christ is not about being male or female, it is about being given a position of indescribable privilege that is far beyond what angels enjoy. It is an invitation to experience God’s affection and desire for us.
As sons of God, heirs of His power and authority, we are given the position to experience God’s throne (Rev. 3:21; Rom. 8:17). As His Bride, we are in a position to experience God’s heart (His emotions, affections, or desire for us).
As women are the sons of God, so men are the Bride of Christ—both describe a position of privilege before God that transcends gender. Most Christian women do not struggle with the idea of being sons of God because they do not see it as a call to be less feminine. However, men often struggle with being the Bride of Christ because they wrongly conclude it is a call to become less masculine. They cannot relate to being Jesus’ Bride, thinking that they should picture themselves wearing a wedding dress. We must understand that being His Bride points to a position of privileged nearness that enables us to encounter His heart. Some of the greatest men of God functioned in the foundational reality of the bridal identity—intimacy with God.
King David was Israel’s greatest warrior, yet he was a lovesick worshipper, ravished by God’s desire for him and fascinated by God’s beauty (Ps. 27:4). Being a “man after God’s own heart” implies that David was a student of His emotions and affections.
Jesus called John, the apostle, “Son of Thunder” because of his fiery personality. He was the one who wanted to call fire down on a Samaritan city (Luke 9:54)! John was a rough and rugged guy, yet how did he see himself? Five times he described himself as the one whom Jesus loved (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20). What was most important to John? It’s easy to see—he was the disciple who laid his head on the Lord’s breast (John 21:20).
John the Baptist ate locusts, wore camel skin, and called the Pharisees outrageous names like “brood of vipers”. Jesus said he was the “greatest man born of a woman” (Matt. 11:11). What empowered this powerful prophet? The revelation of Jesus as the Bridegroom God. John spoke of hearing the voice of the Bridegroom (John 3:29) as that which caused his heart to be overwhelmed with joy.
King David, the Apostle John and John the Baptist all walked in deep intimacy with God. In this way they experienced the core reality of what it means to be the Bride of Christ. Their intimacy with God did not undermine their masculinity, but rather strengthened and established it. The way we view ourselves is greatly impacted when we understand Jesus as a passionate Bridegroom. We soon see ourselves as ones who have immense value to Him, just as a cherished bride does. These truths result in our hearts being enraptured and overcome by His love—we become lovesick.
