The following is written by contributing writer, Andreana Louis
Wedding season is upon us.
As we look from the outside in on social media, or we ourselves have a personal invitation, we can’t help but think how joyous of an occasion it is. From the perspective of the bride and groom many months to years of planning came down to this one moment. The perfect moment, when time stands still (or so it feels). All the effort, sleepless nights, pressure, headaches, moments of doubt and frustration all come down to this, you are marrying the love of your life. The one that you forsook all others for. From the perspective of the guests side, you’re thankful for being invited. You too may have spent months securing a mode of transport, looking for the perfect outfit and the perfect gift. You’re grateful because the bride and groom thought you were worthy enough to spend this joyous occasion with them. You laugh together, eat together, dance together. All the while thanking God for the good gift of marriage.
As believers we too one day will partake in a wedding feast the marriage supper of the Lamb, if we continue in zealous works and repentance. In Revelation 3:20 Jesus says he stands at the door and knocks (our heart). He says if we hear his voice and open the door, he will come and eat with you, and you with him. Jesus longs to commune with us. He desires to be our friend. He wants to dine with us. He wants the experience to be mutual. He died and rose for you, now you live for him.
John 14:3 speaks about Jesus going to prepare a place for us and he himself will come and take us, so that where he is, we may be also. Imagine your best friend wakes up at the crack of dawn, cleans their entire home, makes it beautiful just for you, real cozy, food and drinks prepared, then leaves their home to travel ALL THE WAY where you are just to take you back to the special place they prepared for you. Imagine when they get to your home you’re not ready. They told you to be ready by 6 and you haven’t even showered. Your friend was planning this for months. You knew this, your friend constantly sent you reminders and they honk the horn and you’re not ready.
Disappointment on both ends. Now your friend has left because you weren’t ready and now you’re lost. You get left behind you won’t ever know how special of a time you were going to enjoy, all because you weren’t faithful. Well not living for Jesus is similar to that. He gave his life for us, to have access to his father, our father. His blood was poured out for us. He drank the wrath God had for us.
Sisters let us not be deceived, however God has called you to live for him, do so in faithfulness.
Give no regard to the thoughts of friends, family, and neighbors/strangers, but know that Jesus went home to prepare a place for us and we must get dressed in the fine linen and wait for him. As we wait for him, we live to make him known.
We tell others of the love God has for us in Jesus Christ. We work for the Lord, we serve as examples in our communities, in our families in our jobs, in or classes. Let us live holy and acceptable lives for the glory of God. People don’t throw lavish dinners and invite people they don’t know, therefore you cannot be living a life contrary to God’s word and expect to sit and dine with Jesus.
Word of encouragement: My dear sister, I love you and it is never too late while you have breath in your lungs to flee to Christ. Know him and be known by him, give him your life, he desires it and you wont’t regret it.
Scripture References:
“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” – Revelation 3:19-20
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” – 2 John 14:3
“Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 9. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” – Revelation 1:6-9
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September 7, 2017