The church is Christ’s deep longing

The church is Christ’s deep longing

And His good pleasure too.

His every word and action

Is made with her in view.

His heart’s love is established

And nought can Him deter;

Before the earth’s foundation

His thoughts were filled with her.

The eve of all creation

He mused on His delight

And pondered every feature

Well-pleasing in His sight.

Creation sprang to being

But deep in Him did hide

A heart of depth unfathomed

Fixed on a glorious Bride.

And thus His will was ’stablished

His counterpart to gain:

This blessed

firm intention

Eternally the same.

Though sin should e’en beguile man

Then mock his helpless state

He never could forsake her

His yearning ne’er abate.

Then mercy richly flourished

And love was

oh

so vast

As graciously He sought her

With wisdom unsurpassed.

The love He gave to win her

God only comprehends!

His life laid down

an offering

Whose fragrance yet ascends.

And now in resurrection

To her He draws most near

And with untold affection

In glory does appear.

As she beholds her Bridegroom

His glory floods her heart

’Til she

His Bride

is raptured

His longed-for counterpart.