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as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,
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, His Bride, but am I fit and ready to meet Him, 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 she is to “Be prepared – all dressed and ready – for (her) Lord’s return,” (Luke 12:35-36a TLB).
But when the heavenly Bridegroom arrives, will she be dressed in an old rag, spotted with worldly residue? Or will she be “a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Rev. 21:2 NIV), in a spotless gown of holiness?
“So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.” (2 Peter 3:14 NIV)
Is your oil ready?
Your lamp burning?
Your heart prepared?
Your wedding garment cleansed?
Are you ready to be snatched away in the blink of an eye?
Will He radiate with delight in you, His bride?
PRAYER: Lord, You loved me enough to die 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. Amen!
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All I can say is “Amen, Let’s be ready!” The words “spotless and blameless” are being justified away these days. God help us to be honest before Him, to call sin “sin,” and to desire holiness in all things.
Hey, Dawn! I agree! Let’s be ready! And what you said is so true about spotless and blameless. Holiness has fallen by the wayside. I so desire it! Thanks so much for stopping by. So glad to hear from you. Blessings to you!
I think about that readiness often . It usually when I’m doing or thinking or saying something I shouldnt.
But it’s not just deeds that I need to prepare. It’s my heart. Do I have a spirit of preparation ? Do I set my soul in a place to have him come in my midst?
David, I’m always honored to have you visit. I so desire to have my heart prepared and set in the anticipation mode! Thanks so much for commenting. I deeply appreciate it. Bless you!
Amen Lynn – time is short. Purify your heart… cleanse your hands… the Bridegroom comes awaiting his Bride. Sure makes me more aware of my heart’s condition and the need to have myself ready for the ceremony.
Great post
I’m sorry, Deborah. Even though you told me that you left a comment, I received no notification. I’m switching things over to a new computer and just now getting here. And I say amen to what you said. Having our hearts ready and waiting is critical now. Thanks so much, sweetie!
what great prayer and reminder, Lynn. I love the image of being His bride. excites me and challenges me too.
I love the thought of being His bride as well, Jean. It thrills me to find scriptures and even the meaning of words with marriage in them. Anticipation grows daily! Thanks so much, sweetie, for stopping by! Bless you!
Such good words, Lynn. Waiting well…that’s what I want to do. With my lamp lit and full of oil!
Amen, Laura! Amen! Thanks so much for taking time to visit and comment. I appreciate it. Bless you!