The International House of Prayer in Kansas City addressed a controversy pertaining to the message of intimacy with Jesus. They stated that "Jesus doesn't go on dates with people" and there is nothing sensual about our relationship with Christ. I realize why the organization felt the need to clarify their position. Their teaching about the bridegroom God can be misconstrued by those who aren't familiar with the ministry's core beliefs. IHOPKC doesn't think that Jesus is a bridegroom in the full sense of the word.
I am a lover of everything IHOPKC; however, I don't fully submit to this particular teaching. I understand why the organization can't preach that God is sensual. I also understand why Mike Bickle is adverse to going on dates with Jesus. I don't expect any Christian will boldly use the pulpit to preach the Songs of Solomon Jesus in its full expression....well, except maybe me.
Last night, after a long day of classes and theater rehearsal, I was escorted into a romantic atmosphere. The night was enchanted. The Holy Spirit beckoned me to remain outside and spend an hour in worship. I can only explain that worship as a kiss. I can't use any other word to describe it. As I gazed at the stars and the moon, I whispered, "I love You." I didn't mean anything less than I am in love with You. I can't express my love for God without expressing it like a bride. Other love language feels cheap, not genuine, and untruthful.
I don't believe all people fall in love with Jesus. I am not sure all Christians have the capacity. However, I am unable to restrain my affections now. I can't pretend that I am not attracted to Him. Honestly, I often get the feeling He is in love with me. When I survey nature, the cross, and all the marvels of His kingdom, the only explanation is sensual love.
I don't expect many Christians to understand this message. I expect most to consider it blasphemy. However, I don't believe sensuality within a marital contract is sin. I have an entire theology to back this claim, which includes scripture. However, this is a holy subject and I don't feel the need to convince anyone of its truth. I only share it now to glorify what Jesus did for me last night.
He ministered to my fearful heart. The heart that feared God couldn't possibly love me in such a manner. After last night's romantic evening, I hope with every fiber in my being that Jesus has no intentions to break my heart. I won't pretend I am an authority figure like Mike Bickle. I won't even pretend I understand Songs of Solomon to the degree that he does. I just know I fell in love and sometimes that defies rationality.
2 comments:
Hm. Julie Meyer came to our ministry school this year and briefly addressed that topic. I understand what she/Mike Bickle/IHOP is saying. I do believe you can be in love with Jesus, have a "romantic" time with him. However, the "sensual" part is different. There are parts of my love for my husband that are the same in nature as for Jesus. Not exact replicas but the love for my husband comes out of that same love I have for Jesus and He for me. I think that is the way our love for our spouse is supposed to be. Yet, there is a very physical attraction/love/connection that is for my husband that I do not think fits with the way we interact with Jesus. Honestly, I can't put it into words but I understand why IHOP shares that view. I hope not to sound any wrong way when I say this...please, please, please know I don't...but....I don't think I could have understood or drawn that line before being married. I would have argued your point, as well. Yet, there is something very different and unique about our earthly marital relationship that is outside of the way we interact with Jesus. It is ordained by Him, but not to be a way that we interact with Him. I am not opposed to "dates" with Jesus. I personally think the purpose of a date is to spend focused time on another for the purpose of enjoyment, learning the other person, lavishing affection on the other, receiving affection, and to just fall more deeply in love with them.
I love that you love Him as you do! Keep "dating" Him all you want!!!!!!
I honor you and I honor you thoughts. I expected your response and I assume most readers and Christian organizations believe similar to you. I think my view is in the minority and is rather offensive to most ears. I believe my relationship with Jesus can’t be compared to an earthly relationship. I agree with you on that. Just like Father God is not like my earthly father. Husband Jesus is not like your earthly husband. I might send you a personal e-mail with more details about my thoughts because the matter is somewhat taboo and sensitive. Thank you for being bold enough to process the blog and respond to it. I appreciate that.
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