AP
The last few days leading up to the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle have certainly caused a stir. Some of us even lost sleep so we could watch the celebration and I, for one, was not disappointed. It was great to see the excitement in Windsor with thousands of people lining the streets to be part of the celebrations, and to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds. Some had even been camped out in the area for days to get the best viewing place. Now that's commitment!
A couple of thousand years ago there was a notable wedding in Cana of Galilee. We don't even know the names of the bride and groom but we do know that Jesus and his disciples were there. In those days, the wedding banquets went on for days, and at this particular one an embarrassing thing happened. They ran out of wine! The first miracle that Jesus ever did was to turn large jars of water into really good wine. He literally 'saved the day'.
All this wedding fever reminded me of another wedding - one that I am counting on being there for. It's one that is probably known little of outside of the church and I could probably safely say that it is rarely if ever talked about in many churches. But first let me set the scene.
In old Israeli wedding tradition the couple would be betrothed to each other then the bridegroom would go away and prepare a place which was an addition to his father's house for he and his wife. When it was ready and the time was right he would go for his bride. He would not let her know when he was coming but there would be just a short warning, one of his attendants would sound a trumpet as the bridegroom drew near. The bride would have to be ready to be snatched away by the groom. It was almost like a game. Leading up to when she thought he might appear she had to always be watching and waiting with her bridal gown handy so she could quickly be ready when the trumpet sounded. Then off they would go for a 7 day wedding banquet and consummation of the marriage. Rather different from our weddings in the west!
However, there is coming a royal wedding to end all weddings. The wedding of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords with his bride. Jesus Christ referred to the church as his bride, and the Bible speaks of Jesus as 'the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world'. (John 1:36). Before his crucifixion, resurrection and ascension into heaven he said to his followers. 'In my Father's house are many rooms.......I am going away to prepare a place for you. When everything is ready I will come and get you so you will always be with me.." John 14:2-3. I believe that many things in Bible prophecy are quickly lining up. I believe that Jesus is coming very soon for His bride - the church, the world-wide body of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We had best be ready!
The Bible tells us of a time of great tribulation in the world such as has never been seen before. I believe we are close to that time. Then in Revelation 19:6-9 (NLT) it says this,
Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd
or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder:
“Praise the LORD!
For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.
Let us be glad and rejoice,
and let us give honor to him.
For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb,
and his bride has prepared herself.
She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.”
For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people.
And the angel said to me, “Write this:
Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.
” And he added, “These are true words that come from God.” (Emphases are mine)
Does this raise questions for you? I hope it does. I hope you will enquire about what it means to be invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb and how to make yourself ready, so you too will say "Come Lord Jesus".
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, give me wisdom and discernment, understanding and faith to be prepared for your coming. Amen
