Good morning. One of the joys of my vocation, being a “minister of the gospel”, is officiating for weddings. I have always thought that “officiating” is an interesting word to use since it brings to mind the people in stripped shirts blowing whistles, but you get the idea. One of the truths of weddings is the beauty of the bride, for brides are splendid. True, some are nervous as can be, while others may be choked with tears as they embrace their moment. Brides come in all sizes and ages, but they have this in common: they are beautiful. They look their best and it is their day to enjoy. Historically, brides have always had the central place in a wedding, it is their day.
As we read the Book of Revelation, we read about a bride. She too is beautiful, having “made herself ready” for this glorious day (Rev. 19:7).
And the groom is also prepared. In the first century, when the Book of Revelation was written, the groom’s primary responsibility was to ensure that everything was in place, as perfect as could be, made ready for the bride and their guests.
Please consider this revelation of truth of your destiny in Christ:
From the throne came a voice saying,
“Praise our God,
all you his servants,
you who fear him,
small and great.”
Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure”—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. Revelation 19:5-8
The bride of Christ is ready, the bride is beautiful in purity and love, the bride has longed for this day and is ready to rejoice. We, the Body of Christ, His church, are His bride. Our filthy rags of sin have been replaced by the linen that is fine, white, and pure. All of this is accomplished by the groom, our Jesus, and by His blood. Oh, how we long for that day when love’s goal is met, and absolute union begins!