Faithful on Fridays Blog

Part Eight: Conclusion

God the Father is truly the ultimate Wedding Planner. He developed the timeline, sent out the invitations, formed a guest list, and designed a ceremony with an enchanting reception. That metaphor or lower story was created to help us envision the upper story of the Bridegroom returning to wed His Bride.

… for the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself. 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. Revelation 19:7b-8 

This wedding was planned from before the foundation of the world and reaches it consummation when Jesus returns to earth. It’ll be like no other day, like a sunrise never before experienced:

It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. Psalm 19:5 

When the Father reveals the Son, our Champion, and He won’t be hidden anymore.

Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 

This wedding, above all, brings conclusion to God’s highest plan and purpose for His creation and the Son is ready.

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10 

Jesus rejoices as He anticipates That Day:

… as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.

Isaiah 62:5b 

So what’s our next move on God’s timeline? The Revelation passage I began with expressed the ‘good deeds’ of God’s people and the Corinthians passage reminded us that spiritual gifts are to be used within the church. That’s your next move.

… and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

1 Corinthians 12:5-7 

Did you catch that? The gifts are empowered by the Spirit and used in the church to benefit everyone. What are your gifts and how are you using them? If you want to be dressed in a metaphoric bridal gown when He returns then you should be using your Spirit-gifted passions to benefit the church. It’s God’s way.

For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

It is you.