A Bride-to-Be

Glowing, smiling, sparkling eyes, a joyful cadence in her voice, lightness in her step! All these I noticed in the bride-to-be at the wedding shower. Half way from her engagement to the wedding, her friends and family joined to celebrate her good fortune and encourage her in her preparations. Of course, an important role, and pleasure, for the guests was to bring gifts that were both practical and decorative for her to use in her new home with her future husband. Although she and her fiancé have almost seven months to prepare for the big day, they have been preparing for their life together for much longer. Discovering each other’s unique personal characteristics, learning how to bring positive resolutions to times of conflict, but mostly, sharing an unconditional love for each other. Such is an earthly example of a much more splendid heavenly relationship.

“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice and honor him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She is permitted to wear the finest white linen” Revelation 19:6-8 NLT.

Frequently throughout the Bible, Jesus is depicted as the Bridegroom, and his followers (Christians) are his bride. The Book of Revelation depicts a great time of celebration when Jesus, the victor over evil, is united for eternity with his believers. As with many concepts in the Bible, there is an element of the past, the present, and the future all happening at once. In this case, when we believed that Jesus is our Lord and Saviour, we became his. Yet, every day, we are becoming his in a fresh new way. Then, when Jesus returns to earth in his glory, we will become his bride at the wedding feast. “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb” (Rev. 19:9).

One key point is that the bride, in the passage from Revelation, “prepared herself”. She had already learned who Jesus is, discovered his majesty, and committed herself to him. They were already in a relationship. So it is, when you and I are followers of Jesus. I have learned and am learning everyday the glorious characteristics of Jesus. Psalm 45 describes some of them: he is the most handsome of all, gracious words stream from his lips, and he blesses me forever. He is a mighty warrior who rides out to victory defending truth, humility and justice. My Lord performs awe-inspiring deeds. He loves what is right and hates what is wrong. He pours joy on his people. My royal husband delights in my beauty and I honour him with my best gifts. I do believe that Jesus is my Lord and Saviour. Everyday, I am preparing my heart for the big day, the wedding feast of Jesus, the Lamb of God. Everyday, my challenge is to reflect the light and love of Jesus so that others may know whose bride I am. Then one day, I will join him at the greatest wedding feast of all time! Hallelujah, indeed!

“The bride, a princess, waits within her chamber, dressed in a gown woven with gold. In her beautiful robes, she is led to the king, accompanied by her bridesmaids. What a joyful, enthusiastic procession as they enter the king’s palace!” Psalm 45:13-15.

Beloved friend, when Jesus comes knocking at the door to your heart, how can you say no? His power, majesty, and glory surround us, drawing us closer to him. Accept his proposal of marriage, grow in your relationship with him, and in humble reverence, prepare yourself to be counted as the “Bride of Christ”! Do not miss this opportunity!