THE JEWISH WEDDING

Behold, I am coming like a thief. Revelation 16:15a

The Chosen People had their own special way of falling in love and getting married. The Jewish Messiah follows the same suit.

A. The Bride is Chosen & Purchased.

1.     The chosen Bride accepts the Bridegroom’s marriage proposal, and he pays a suitable dowry unto her father. The couple is sealed in a binding covenant that awaits future consummation.

2.     Likewise, the Chosen Bride, the Church (Eph.1:4), is betrothed unto Christ, who paid the price for her redemption (Acts 20:28b).

B. Preparing a Place.

1.     The Bridegroom returns to his father’s house, where he prepares a place for his Bride, constructing a Bridal Chamber. Its completion would be subject to his father’s approval.

2.     Likewise, Jesus returned to His Father’s house, preparing a place for us (John 14:1-3). The Father appoints the times and seasons (Acts 1:7; Matt. 24:36). 

C. The Engagement: Personal consecration and preparation!

1.     The veiled-Bride awaited the Bridegroom’s coming, owing him complete fidelity. Adultery was a serious issue (Matt.1:18-20; Deut.22:23-24)!

2.     Likewise, the Church owes Jesus its love, fidelity, and total commitment (2 Cor.11:2; Rev.2:4; 1 John 2:28).

D. The Beloved Thief Returns (Rev.16:15; 19:7-9)!

1.     One night, with the blowing of the shofar, the Bridegroom returns. The Bride has carefully maintained oil for her lamp, ever ready for his coming (Matt. 25:1-13). They withdraw to his Bridal Chamber for 7 days, consummating their union.

2.     Likewise, the Rapture is pre-Trib and imminent (Matt. 25:13; 1 Thess.4:16-17; 5:2)—Jesus can return at any moment! The Bride is rescued from the wrath to come (1Thess. 5:9), enjoying unveiled, face-to-face intimacy with the Lord (Rev.22:4) celebrating the Marriage Supper of the Lamb!

E. The Couple Gloriously Emerge for Formal, Public

     Presentation—forever enjoying each other’s presence!

Terry L. Reese