THE JEWISH GROOM’S PREPARATION
In ancient Jewish
society, once the bride had said yes to the groom’s proposal of marriage he
would return home to his father’s house, but not before promising his beloved that
he would come back one day for her.
On arrival back home the
groom would set about preparing a marriage chamber for himself and his bride. This
was not a detached house, but rather was an addition to his father’s home. It would
often have to be built to the father’s specifications, and would not be deemed
ready until the father declared it so. Therefore, only the groom’s father would
know when the groom would return for his bride!
JESUS HAS GONE BACK TO
THE FATHER
Jesus said to the
disciples, and to us by extension…
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” – John 14:2-3
Jesus also said this concerning the time of His return…
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” – Mark 13:32-33
Jesus is right now
preparing a place for His bride – the true church!
THE JEWISH BRIDE’S PREPARATION
While her groom was away
the Jewish bride of old would be considered consecrated…set apart. She had
been bought with a price! When in public she would wear a veil as an outward
sign that she was spoken for, and that her life had changed.
She would also be busy
preparing herself to be a wife. There was a wedding garment that needed to be
made and kept pure and spotless until the great day!
THE CHURCH PREPARES
Every one, male and
female, who is part of the true church of Jesus Christ should follow the
pattern set by the ancient Jewish bride.
Although no veil is
needed today, the world should be able to detect that we are spoken for. We are
betrothed to our beloved Bridegroom Jesus! Additionally, we should be busy
preparing our wedding garment. This is not a physical piece of clothing, but
rather is spiritual in nature. Jesus is returning for a bride without a spot or
wrinkle.
Those “spots and wrinkles”
are the sins that so easily beset us…the hidden flaws of the heart that, if
left untreated, can be detrimental to our relationship with our Lord.
Now, you wouldn’t go out
knowingly wearing clothing that is soiled and crumpled, would you? How much more
do we need to be diligent in making sure that we remain clothed in humility,
gentleness, love, the joy of the Lord, patience, goodness, kindness etc. As soon as the Holy Spirit shows us an area that needs to be cleaned up, let us be diligent in setting things right, so that our relationship with our Lord is not broken!
Finally, we must remain
alert, remembering that our Lord could return at any moment to take His bride
away!
- Have you accepted the invitation to accept Jesus into your life?
- Do people in the world know that you are set apart....consecrated....that you belong to Jesus, and to Him only?
- Are you preparing your wedding garment...dealing with sins as the Holy Spirit reveals them?
- Are you remaining alert and expecting the Bridegroom to return at any moment?
To be continued…
NEXT: The Bridegroom
Returns!
Thank you so much for this series. So timely as I am reminded to keep myself diligently for Him. God bless you richly.
ReplyDeleteThis is so lovely. I am anxiously awaiting His return and preparing my heart to come before Him. I can't even begin to imagine that day... there will be tears and laughter and unspeakable joy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely day.
Excellent study! I love it when I learn something new. What an encouragement to be spotless and without blemish as the Bride of Christ!
ReplyDeleteWhat an excellent message! I had no idea. The perfect picture from our perfect God. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI have read the 3 articles regarding the bride of Christ. These articles are so important today. There are signs all around us that the time is drawing near. For those who have not accepted Christ as their Lord and Saviour I pray that they will today. Thanks for this reminder. It is articles like these that we need to read as reminders as often as possible. We get so caught up in everyday life that we don't remember what it is all about until we receive articles like these.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great study! Thank you for the reminder to be ready for the groom's return!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great and informative post. I wish there were more of these in the media instead of all the negativity. One day he will return for us. While we are waiting everyone should know we are spoken for and belong to his kingdom. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful post! Just so edifying and full of truth! It is so interesting to read of the correlation between the Jewish men and their betrothed and Jesus and His church. I am so enjoying my time reading here! I found you on the Rich Faith Rising "Unite" Link-up. So very grateful I did!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post reminding us of the great price paid for us. I love the way you illustrate the Jewish bride and apply her to the bride of Christ. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
DeleteI am really enjoying this series and love the picture of redemption the Jewish wedding process shows. What a wonderful thought that my bridegroom is preparing for me and I am His.
ReplyDelete