​Do you remember our allegory from last time?  Well, just in case you don’t, I’ve included it below.  We’ll be going back to this allegory throughout the series, so for future reference, please note that it will be available on the Outline page.  

Picture yourself in a park—walking along the pathways and enjoying the beautiful gardens and fall colors.  Then, as you’re going about and minding your own business, the most beautifully dressed, beaming bride walks quickly past you.  As you watch her travel down the path, you can’t get over how joyful, excited, and simply radiant the young woman dressed in white looked nor can you forget the distant gleam in her eye.  Also, you remember noticing the huge diamond ring shimmering on her finger, and you can’t help wondering who the groom is and what he must be like in order to ignite so much wonder, excitement, and distraction.  Based on the size and beauty of the engagement ring, you guess that the groom must be rather wealthy.  So you wonder, who is this bride and what is her story that she—a girl obviously engaged to a very affluent man and decked out in all her bridal finery—would be walking in your humble city park?

How has cutting out all things romance been going for you?  Has it been difficult?  Have you felt a void in your life?  Well, whether it’s been a struggle for you or not, continue to stick to your fast from all things on earthly love, and focus your heart on your position as Christ’s chosen Bride. 
 
Meanwhile, we’re going to get started by setting the stage for the epic, life-changing story of a God who became like His creation in order to romance the heart of His wayward people.  So like in every good story, we’re going to set the stage by introducing the characters and giving some background, history, and a taste of what’s going to happen…