PREPARING FOR THE WEDDING
- Key Verse
“All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold.” (Psalm 45:13)
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Central Truth
The little things we do today have a big impact for the future.
Reflections
The author identifies this Psalm as a “wedding song." As we read it, Christ begins to emerge as the King waiting for his bride, the “church." As the Psalm closes, we see what is described as a wedding procession for the King and his bride that will take place in the future.
At the time this Psalm was written, the families of the bride and groom would meet, announce the engagement, and exchange vows and even rings. After this meeting, the groom would go home to prepare a place for his new bride (John 14:2), and begin plans for the wedding celebration. On the wedding day, the groom would go ahead of the procession to the residence of the father of the bride. Awaiting the groom's arrival, the bride would be robed in her beautiful, fine linen dress, ready to be taken to their new home for the wedding celebration.
Today, we the church (the bride), are waiting for Jesus (the King) to return for the wedding celebration. Each day as we wait, we are weaving a fine linen dress with our faithful service to the Lord. Revelation 19:8 states, “Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints." These righteous acts include prayer, fasting, helping the poor, sharing the good news, serving others in the name of the Lord, etc. This gives us a wonderful reason to be intentional about what we do each day by the power of the Holy Spirit, knowing that even the small acts of faith are being used to weave a beautiful presentation to our Lord.
We are eager for His return and may our eagerness be matched by our willingness to serve Him and others in unity and faith. Join with the multitudes to step out in faith today and ask the Lord for an opportunity to demonstrate His love and grace to others.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you want fewer days or more days between now and the wedding? Why?
2. What righteous acts do you find most difficult? Why?
3. Revelation 19:9 says “. . . Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb." Who in your life do you need to invite to the wedding?
Terry Melle
May 3, 2010 06:33 AM
Since I'm indecisive about wanting fewer days or more days, I am aware that I want however many there are, to be pleasing to God. Your faithful service is an worthy example to follow.
Sam Shoquist
May 3, 2010 07:06 AM
Robert, Great job, beautiful word picture. Sam
Bret
May 3, 2010 07:11 AM
Thanks for the background info...it really helped me be able to see the picture being painted in this passage.
Chip Smith
May 3, 2010 07:17 AM
Good morning Robert. Thank you for an incredible log this morning. Rarely do we talk about the church being the bride of Christ or think about preparing for our wedding day through the things we do here on earth. It saddens me sometimes when a couple will forgo a wedding ceremony and celebration to just get married. And, many couples will cheapen that experience by sleeping or even living together before they get married. As I thought about that and your log, I started thinking about ways I might do the same by the way I live my life as a Christian in anticipation of the wedding day when the church will be presented to Jesus as His bride and the celebration afterwards. Thank you for the reminder on how I should be preparing for that day.
Tim Hawks
May 3, 2010 08:02 AM
Robert, great insight. Thanks for getting my Monday morning and my week pointed in the direction of eternity.
Harriet Smith
May 3, 2010 08:49 AM
Robert, You have given us a lot to think about. Thanks for giving us a lesson in the culture of the day and for helping us think about how we are or are not preparing ourselves as the bride of Christ. I do long for Christ's soon return, but I equally long for more people to form part of the Bride of Christ by surrendering to Him while there is still time. It is a tension. I appreciate the way you live out the gospel day in and day out and challenge me with your life.
Beckye Estill
May 4, 2010 11:19 AM
Thank you for reminding me of our being the Bride of Christ and how I need to be preparing myself for His return and our joyous celebration. I need to be adorning myself with those righteous acts, done through His power and for His glory. You are a great example, Robert! Thanks for a great devo!