Read: Revelation 19:1-10
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. (Matt. 25:13)
More visions! In one hour the planet and its cultures collapse into total silence and darkness. De-creation. But heaven explodes into jubilation and light! A great multitude sings, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments” (vv. 1-2 NIV). The elders add “Amen.” It’s true! A voice from the throne says, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!” (v. 5 NIV). All sing, “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” (vv. 6-7 NIV).
A wedding! The Lamb is the groom. His Bride is the Church! Companionship, love, joy and faithfulness in a happy marriage foreshadow the eternal relationship God wants with his people (Hosea 2:19-20; 2 Cor. 11:2).
The Bride is washed and dressed in Christ’s righteousness. She is beautiful, and she stands in contrast to the prostitute of chapter 17. The Bride is clothed in fine linen, a symbol of the righteous deeds of the saints. She is ready but where is the Bridegroom? He is still out gathering his Church, unwilling that anyone should perish (2 Peter 3:9). She waits. And we wait too. Long waiting can make us careless (Matt. 25:1-13), but remembering the one we are waiting for, our bridegroom Jesus, helps us stay ready. —Ruth Siemens
As you pray, ask God for patience as you wait for him.
About the Author
Ruth Siemens was a campus minister with IVCF/IFES, then started Global Opportunities to prepare professionals to work and witness in secular employment abroad.
