“Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come.” (Revelation 19:9)
Many of us had the pleasure of watching the royal wedding of Prince William and his beautiful bride, Kate Middleton. What a regal event it was, heralding hope for the future of the adored couple, as well as for the British monarchy.
It was the stuff of romantic movies, with its smiling, graceful young stars, and a supporting cast playing their parts to perfection. Historic Westminister Abbey, the soul-stirring music, and many long-established traditions, all leant an air of grandeur, as did the elegantly dressed, notable guests. I pray that this union will blossom into a long, happy and fulfilling life for them both.
Even as I wondered if I was wise to give up my night’s sleep to watch, thinking ahead to a medical test I faced in just a few hours, I began reflecting on a far more momentous union: that of Christ and His bride, the church. For you and me, the present includes pain and disability, as well as tears, loneliness and frustration. However, this isn’t “all there is.”
As believers, we look forward to the time when we’ll be ushered into the presence of the Lord. Then, our attention will be drawn not so much to the glories of that heavenly place, but to the Lamb of God, who welcomes us into our heavenly home. As the hymn The Sands of Time puts it, “The Bride eyes not her garment, / But her dear Bridegrooms’s face: / I will not gaze at glory, / But on my King of grace.”
No one could be as awe-inspiring as our heavenly Bridegroom. His spiritual presence is with us now (Matthew 28:20). But some day we’ll see Him face to face and our union will be celebrated at the great wedding feast of the Lamb. A perfect wedding. Yes, and a perfect and eternal marriage!
Prayer: Lord, may we rejoice and be glad and give you glory now, by your grace, as we look forward to that better day. Amen
About the Author:
Beth Cottrill lives in a small town in rural Saskatchewan, Canada, with her retired pastor/teacher husband, Bob, an avid football fan. She finds living with Attention Deficit Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, depression, osteo-arthritis and a stroke of several years ago a challenge, but also training for a ministry to others. She loves nature, animals, music, making cards and, last but not least, being a grandma.
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