(Mat 25:6) “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’
Oh, how fun it has been to anticipate my daughter Lindsay’s wedding to Jonas. In just two weeks they will be married! It’s been an exciting time for our family for sure. But the anticipation of Jonas coming from his home country of Sweden has built up an expectation that was only fulfilled by his arriving at the airport just a few days ago. How excited Lindsay was to dash off to greet him. Now they will be together always. No more long-distance relationship. No more of that agonizing longing. No more separation. Together as one!
That’s how it is with the body of Christ as we look for the coming of our Lord to take us home to be with Him. (Phil 3:20) For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:13) looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. You see, we are called the bride of Christ in scripture. (Rev 21:9) . . . “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” (Rev 22:17) And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” . . . In the Song of Solomon this is beautifully and prophetically played out between Solomon and his bride. Paul also uses this image in Ephesians 5:22-33 in reference to husband and wife relationships. He says the man and woman union is a picture of Christ and the church.
So, what are to do as we anticipate our Bridegroom’s return? We are to make ourselves ready.
(Rev 19:7) Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And that is what I have observed Lindsay do all this year. She has made herself ready for Jonas’ coming. It’s amazing all there is to do for a wedding. She has been so busy preparing details for the ceremony. Shopping for that dress. Making sure it fits just right. Now all the accessories. Practicing with her hair curls. The proper make up and nail polish. And the list goes on. She tried her dress on the other day and called me in to see it. Wow!! (She was in front of the same mirror where she used to play dress up when she was a little girl. Flashback!!) She was astoundingly beautiful and breathtaking. Watch out Jonas!
Paul said (Eph 5:25-27) . . . Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. As we are in the Word we will be washed and ready to be presentable for our Lord. Each book of the Bible is a love letter from Jesus. As we read it we are preparing ourselves for that proper presentation to Him. No torn blue jeans or raggedy T-shirt or shabby hair. It’s going to be a special day. THE BRIDEGROOM IS COMING! Are you ready to meet Him?
Louie
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