“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14
Do you remember your wedding day? Do you remember the weeks and months leading up to it? Can you still feel the nervous excitement?
Kristin and I were 200 miles apart for the year before we got married. We got engaged in November and married the following June. I visited as often as my youth ministry schedule allowed, but we felt the separation acutely.
When the wedding day (and honeymoon) finally arrived, we rejoiced to finally be together, never to have such a time of separation again.
That is the way Jesus talked about his return – of a groom coming for His bride.
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:6
“Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!‘” Rev. 19:9
What does a groom want from his bride to be?
- Purity. He wants to be confident that she is not sharing her affections with anyone else.
- Excitement. He wants to know that she shares his joyful anticipation of coming together.
- Commitment. He wants her to be ready to say good-bye to her parents and her past life, to join him in their new life together.
- Preparation. He wants the assurance that she will be ready for the wedding and all that follows as soon as he arrives.
Are we fighting to protect our pure devotion to the Lord Jesus? Are we aware of the temptations that entice us to shift our affection to other people and things – especially this world?
Can we honestly say that we are most excited about the Lord Jesus and His return? Or, if we’re honest, do we let lesser things capture our hearts and imaginations more?
Are we severing ties with the things of this world? Do we live as travelers and refugees in this dark and dying world? Or have we moved in like those who plan to stay?
Are we ready for the wedding celebration of the Lamb right now? Or are there things we know we should do – conversations we should have, issues we should clean up?
Here is how Paul exhorted Timothy:
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:6-8
Brothers and sisters – as we pray for and look for the coming of our Lord – let us fight the good fight! Let’s stand together, locking arms so we can resist the devil and present ourselves to the Lord on that day as a glorious bride, clothed in our righteous deeds we have done for His unending glory!
Maranatha! “Come quickly, Lord Jesus!”