Today it is estimated that two billion people saw and heard a Christian Marriage service as Kate and William wed! The first words heard were: “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this Company, to join together this man and this woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate signifying unto us the mystical union between Christ and his Church.”
Marriage is the Sign given to us in Creation by God of the intimate relationship that God desires to have with His people. Our Lord Jesus died, rose again and poured out His Spirit so that we could have such an intimate and life-giving relationship with Him. Jesus is the bridegroom of His people and together we who believe in Him are His bride.
In giving instruction for Christian marriage, (Ephesians 5:31-32 NIV ©2011) the apostle Paul tells us he is ultimately addressing a much greater revelation: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.
In the Book of Revelation 19:6-8, we receive a glimpse into the events which will unfold at the time of the Return of Christ: Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
“Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear.”
Oh that today people around the world would hear His voice and come to the Lamb who was slain for them! “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17)
You may want to pray: “Jesus, I come to you just as I am. Cleanse me with your precious blood shed for me on the cross. I give my life to you. Enter into my life—my very heart. Thank you that you died and rose for me so that I can now enter into a close and life-giving relationship with you that will last forever.”
Oh that today we who are already His followers would receive this revelation of who Jesus is as our Bridegroom and would draw closer in intimacy and fidelity with Him.
You may want to pray: “Lord Jesus, draw me into a more and more intimate relationship with you. Fill me more and more with your Holy Spirit so that I can know you better. Help me, by your Spirit, to be always faithful to you just as a husband and wife are called to be faithful to each other in all the seasons of life.”
In this Resurrection season of the Father’s Love, may we know more and more the Hope to which He has called us. (See Ephesians 1:17-23.)
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