YOUR BIGGEST WEDDING EVER!

For the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.  Revelation 19:7

In Bible days weddings were different from ours today.  First negotiations were made between the two fathers and a dowry or gift of livestock/money to secure the bride was agreed upon.  Next, when the couple was of age there was a public betrothal ceremony where the bride would either accept or reject the groom’s proposal.  If she accepted, the betrothal was as binding as marriage, and each went to their separate homes to spend a year preparing for their actual wedding day.  Finally the groom arrived at the bride’s home at an unannounced late hour to take her and the wedding party to his father’s house where he also lived.  There the marriage union was completed, and a seven day celebration followed.

The New Testament uses this picture of marriage to illustrate an even greater relationship – being united with Jesus Christ in eternal salvation.  Jesus is the heavenly Bridegroom.  We who are born again are called the bride of Christ.  The Bridegroom invaded this planet to pay the spiritual dowry for our lost souls by dying on Calvary’s cross (Romans 5:8).  Only He could pay that price.  After three days He rose again from the dead to prove that He is God and that His sacrifice was sufficient to redeem us.  He is the only way that we can get to the Father’s house of heaven (John 14:6).  However, even though the price for our union has been paid and Jesus longs to be our Savior, there must be the “I do!” on our part.  We must say “Yes!” to Jesus and reject all other unspiritual “suitors” and ways to eternal life.  The offer is available to anyone and everyone who receives Christ as Lord and Savior (John 1:12; 3:16).  The simple truth is if the Bride (us) does not receive the Groom (Christ), this wedding’s over!

Bob Kulp