ARE YOU WEARING YOUR WEDDING CLOTHES

When families gather for the traditional June weddings, everyone is wearing clean, beautiful clothing, usually their very best. The bride and groom and their attendants are likewise beautifully groomed and clothed. Weddings are celebrations of new beginnings and deserve such finery. The young couple turns away from their single life and pledges to build a new life together. Such a commitment takes faith, love, cooperation, and hard work.

Jesus compared himself to a bridegroom for the new Christian church. His love and care for his followers is an example for any groom, and Jesus also made it clear that the relationship with his followers and with his church was forever. (Matthew 25: 1-13 and in prophesy--Revelation 19:7)

As believers study Scripture, they begin to realize that the home and family relationship at its best mirrors Christ's love for his Church. Such a goal is truly an awesome task, but it is one that God blesses and guides with His Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5: 22-33)

Our experience with family and church family helps to prepare us for the final wedding, eternal life in the Kingdom of God. The parable of the marriage feast in Matthew 22: 1-14 shows us clearly that not all will accept the invitation to the divine wedding, and some who do attend will not be wearing their "wedding clothes" that the host provided. Their lives will not show evidence of faith in Jesus, nor the love, hope, and deeds that obedience to God requires. They will not be ready for the "washed robes" of the Heavenly City (Revelation 6:11 and 19:8-9).

Though none of us is perfect, we know that faith in Jesus makes up for the shortfall in our love and right living. His crucifixion covers our sin and tidies our dingy garments. We can rejoice, knowing that so long as we are wearing our wedding clothes of faith, hope, and love, we will be joyously welcomed to the marriage of the Lamb.

…..Mary-Ellen Grisham (meginrose@gmail.com) by way of Eternal Ink (eternal_ink@associate.com) and “Christian Voices” (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)