I saw this picture many years ago and I was awed by the beauty of it. It was taken by a photographer from Federal Way, WA, Sarah Alston. Sarah is a friend of my daughter Kim’s and her artistry with a camera is wonderful.
As I looked at this picture and the others in the wedding album, I thought of the preparation, months and months of preparation, that go into planning a wedding. Everything has to be perfect. Every detail complete. The venue, the gown, the rings, the guests all require time and planning but most important are the two people who are preparing their hearts for a lifetime of love and commitment.
Is it any wonder that I relate this to our time of preparation as we await the return of the bridegroom, Jesus Christ? He says that He has gone to heaven to prepare a place for us and when it’s perfectly prepared He will come back and take us to our new home.
The prophet Isaiah paints this picture for us approximately four hundred years before Christ was born.
“The LORD makes me very happy. I am completely happy with my God. He dressed me in the clothes of salvation. He put the victory coat on me. I look like a man dressed for his wedding, like a bride covered with jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 ERV
The Apostle Paul writes about the marriage relationship a few years after Christ was crucified and ascended to heaven. He uses that union as an example of the relationship Christ aspires to have with each one of us. He desires to be our loving husband and provide for us, protect us and see to our well being. It’s our place to accept His proposal.
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish…32This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” Ephesians 5:25-27, 32
Some day, in the not to distant future, we are told there will be a heavenly banquet. The Bible tells us it’s called the marriage supper of the Lamb. Our bride groom is taking care of all the details. We are all invited to be there; His love leaves no one out.
I hope you are excitedly waiting for His return. What a wonderful day that will be!