Do you know J.C. Baughman? Ladies, if you’re single, you might want to introduce yourselves. He’s looking for a bride—and not just looking—he’s advertising. J.C Baughman lives in Granbury, Texas, but he’s not too hard to find. He’s the one driving around town in a truck with his tailgate covered in handwritten chalk, asking for women to consider being his wife.

Now, he’s not too picky. He only has three requirements for his lady: No drinking, no tobacco, and under the age of 40. Granted, he’s not under the age of 40—he’s 65—but if you’re interested in a life of “love”, you must have been born after 1975.

At the same time, I wouldn’t call him Texas’ most eligible bachelor. He lives in a shack, has been divorced twice, and has served jail time for smoking pot. And, I can’t over emphasize that he’s advertising for a wife…on his tailgate…with chalk. How could anyone turn him down? If you’re interested, call Romeo’s number on the tailgate.

You might be wondering if I’ve gone crazy. What in the world does this have to do with a “church” article? Not much…other than this thought (and hopefully a good laugh for you)—aren’t you thankful that Christ doesn’t advertise for His bride?

The church is the “bride” of Christ (Revelation 22:17).

Because of that relationship, it makes even more sense why Paul tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25).

Christ doesn’t publicly humiliate Himself for someone to accept the “marriage” relationship, nor does He need to. His death and sacrifice secured the church’s existence.

But unlike Baughman, Christ is “picky” about his bride’s qualifications. He’s not picky about who comes, because the offer is for all. He’s picky about how we come. To become part of His bride, you must be washed in His blood through baptism (Acts 2:38). You must know Him and listen to His voice (John 10:3, 14). You must have a true, healthy relationship with the groom, honoring Him in all things (Ephesians 1:22, Colossians 3:23).

If you aren’t part of the bride of Christ, Christ desperately wants you to be, but He’s not going to beg. He’s not going to advertise. He will never cheapen the beauty of the relationship.

He simply waits in love.

Will you accept His proposal?

–Jacob Hawk