"Wimpy theology makes wimpy women ... Wimpy theology simply does not give a woman a God that is big enough, strong enough, wise enough, and good enough to handle the realities of life in a way that magnifies the infinite worth of Jesus Christ. Wimpy theology is plagued by woman-centeredness and man-centeredness. Wimpy theology doesn’t have the granite foundation of God’s sovereignty or the solid steel structure of a great God-centered purpose for all things.
The ultimate meaning of true womanhood start[s] by stating this great God-centered purpose of all things: God’s ultimate purpose for the universe and for all of history and for your life is to display the glory of Christ in its highest expression, namely, in his dying to make a rebellious people his everlasting and supremely happy bride. To say it another way, God’s ultimate purpose in creating the world and choosing to let it become the sin-wracked world that it is, is so that the greatness of the glory of Christ could be put on display at Calvary where he bought his rebellious bride at the cost of his life.
It is not wimpy to say that God created the universe and governs all things to magnify his own grace in the death of his Son for the salvation of his bride. That’s not wimpy. And it doesn’t lead to wimpy womanhood.
But it does lead to womanhood. True womanhood. In fact, it leads to the mind-boggling truth that womanhood and manhood—masculinity and femininity—belong at the center of God’s ultimate purpose. Womanhood and manhood were not an afterthought or a peripheral thought in God’s plan. God designed them precisely so that they would serve to display the glory of his Son dying to have his happy, admiring bride."
--John Piper on The Ultimate Meaning of True Womanhood
I've been following your blog for about a month, and I enjoyed reading this post! It's a good thought. Thanks for sharing this excerpt!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful truth.
ReplyDeleteI'm not clear in this illustration on what the rebellious (but adoring) wife does once the (husband?) who died for her....is dead...
ReplyDeleteHave a change of heart? Morn? Praise? Re-marry? Does she die, like Juliet?
I'm frustrated because I feel like I've missed it...like half the bun on a sandwich.
I can't edit my comment so I'll post a second!
ReplyDeleteI misspelled "Mourn".
Jillian How are you , If Casey will permit me. Can i point out couple things .
ReplyDeletewhen a bride is mention in the Bible it refers to a church.
• Woman, Pure = True Church Jeremiah 6:2; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-27
• Woman, Corrupt = Apostate church Ezk. 16:15-58; 23:2-21; Hos. 2:5; 3:1; Rev. 14:4.
The story of the 10 virgins is also a prophetic parable of five bride who were wise and five who were foolish.
The foolishness is shown by the lack of preparation for the bridegroom's return which none of them new.
But one group was prepared by having oil which is symbolic of holy spirit. receive by studying and practicing the word of God.
Marriage synonymous the relatioship we have with Christ ,or at least the one He wants to have with us humans.
A rebellious bride is one who has gone against the principles of a loving binding relationship. We are the rebellious bride. But Jesus peruses us relentlessly and at all cost. Even to give his life for us.
This is the Christ ,this is love .
I guess what Casey is trying to say is to accept Christ,to express praises to him, to testify to others,to respond to this love is not Wimpy .
It takes character it takes a man ,a woman to be a Christian..
Casey i love this one its great.
All praise ,honor and glory to God for pointing this one out.
Kaysie, I am so sorry to spam your blog, but I wanted to let you know *I get it now!*
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about this passage all day; the analogy couldn't be wedged into traditional human terms and that is why I was frustrated (that plank was in my eye!).
I do understand now what the rebellious wife does after the husband dies for her: she *rejoices.* Because He was *not defeated* by death. He is not gone forever, and she is not a widow!
Yes, we have been rebellious, and Jesus had to die to make us as the church His eternal bride...but as we see our foolishness, our defiance, for which He laid down His life - we have a chance through him to REPENT and rejoice in Him.
The eternal, living God.
John Piper always has something mind-provoking to write about! Excellent, excellent excerpt. Thanks, Kaysie.
ReplyDeleteGreat discussion Jillian and Earl. I think you answered the question(s) posed. Jillian, I think you came to the right conclusion. It is difficult sometimes to comprehend God's methods or functioning due to our "human" worldviews. Like you said, in human terms, the groom dying would arouse mourning--not joy. But with Christ who conquered death, this bride can certainly rejoice because He is alive just as we will be after death too. :)
ReplyDeleteGood stuff!