Wedding Clothes

Revelation 19:6-9 (NLT)

6 Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder:

“Praise the Lord!
    For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.
7 Let us be glad and rejoice,
    and let us give honor to him.
For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb,
    and his bride has prepared herself.
8 She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.”
    For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people.

9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he added, “These are true words that come from God.”

After 12 months of preparation, on July 20, we finally made it to the BIG day and our daughter, Emily, was joined in Holy matrimony with her true love. I confess, we are all thrilled. In our eyes, they are a perfect match. They radiate love for each other and are so much fun to be around. Forgive me if I have written about this before, but they are ever celebrating some accomplishment. "Baby, you boil the best water!" I've heard him exclaim over a cup of hot tea. 

Several times as we progressed through the different stages of planning for their vintage country picnic wedding, I thought of an even greater marriage ceremony and the preparation of the bride to meet her Bridegroom. The marriage ceremony spoken of in Revelation 19 will culminate with a special supper...a supper planned thousands of years ago for which preparations are still being made. Still too, the bride is being prepared. She is clothed with fine linen. bright, and fair...the righteous deeds of the saints. The deeds spoken of in Eph. 2:10, which He prepared beforehand that we might walk in them, will clothe us. For some, years of surrender and sanctification will be poured into that blessed moment.

 

We spent many hours selecting and adorning our girl in bridal finery for her special day. Will you think of that the next time His Spirit prompts you to serve, surrender, or sacrifice? Your Lord has chosen the deed to which He is calling you as preparation for the most glorious wedding day. Let us celebrate as we serve for our Lord is weaving our wedding clothes! Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast!