He shuffled his feet and wiped his sweaty palms on his jacket. His face twitched, producing a peculiar, cockeyed smile. Then, the bride began her promenade down the aisle, and the groom’s whole body radiated with delight. They were so anxious to look their best for each other.
All decked out in their wedding finery: He, fit to meet the bride; she, fit to meet the bridegroom. As I sat in the chapel praying for them, the thought occurred to me: Jesus is fit and ready to meet me as His Bride, but am I fit and ready to meet Him as my Bridegroom?
If Jesus died that the church, His bride, might be “without spot or wrinkle or any other defect – holy and unblemished” (Eph. 5:27a Weymouth); then, as part of the Bride, how am I dressed? When the heavenly Bridegroom arrives, will I be dressed in an old rag, spotted with worldly residue? Or will I be “a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Rev. 21:2 NIV) in a spotless gown of holiness?
What am I doing to keep myself pure and holy and ready to have my Bridegroom carry me across that heavenly threshold? Will He radiate with delight in me, His bride?
Memory Verse:
“Be prepared – all dressed and ready – for your Lord’s return.”
– Luke 12:35-36a (TLB)
Prayer Prompt:
“Lord, You loved me enough to die for me, to give me a pure wedding garment of holiness. May I love You enough to keep that gown unsullied from the world and meet You in holiness on Your return. May I be continually dressed and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Help me to prepare in the area of . . .”
Contributing Writer:
Lynn Mosher
Encouraging the Heart
Uplifting the Soul
Leave a Reply