God with us: His Bride | Dec. 24
Revelation 21:2-4
Frank Sawatsky | Outreach & Worship Pastor – Mission
“2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
– Revelation 21:2-4
When was the last time you thought about God’s love for you? Like really just sat in the truth that God. Loves. You.
He has designed you with intention. He has equipped you with purpose. He has pursued you even while your back was turned away from Him. And, He thinks so highly of you that some would say He’s kind of obsessed. I write this jokingly, but there is something profound about the committed, persistent, relentless love of God: it’s all encompassing.
When meditating on the love of God, a particular image should come to mind: the image of husband and wife.
The Bible teaches that at the end of days, there will be a beautiful, inextricable union of heaven and earth, much like a wedding ceremony (Ephesians 5; 2 Corinthians 11; Revelation 19). A celebration will occur as the weary world rejoices at Christ’s return. God will be with His people. What a wedding that will be!
I remember my wedding day, being up at the altar waiting with anticipation while the bridesmaids, flower girls, and ring bearer walked down the aisle. It seemed like time itself stopped as my fiancé took her last steps toward me before becoming my wife. Wow. She always looks beautiful (of course); but, on that day, the hours of preparation suddenly made sense: it was all worth it. The woman I loved was about to be mine!
Consider the type of love that will be on display on that final day. The church (that’s you and me), will be prepared like a bride. We’ll be put together—all of our blemishes will be wiped away because of Christ’s work. We’ll be seen as beautiful, radiant, righteous, pure, and presentable. All the difficulties and trials of this life will be worth it, since everything that caused us grief or suffering will be swept away. The consequences of sin and the curse of death will themselves be snuffed out, as a new order will be ushered in. Gods love will save us!
PRAYER: Lord, today on Christmas Eve, I meditate on your love. In love, you offered your Son. In love, you will return. And in love, you will finally be with us in the end. Equip me in your love today and always, Amen.