“Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him [Jesus], for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Revelation 19:7-8

A Jewish young bride-to-be prepared her body, her clothes and possessions, and her mind to be pleasing to her groom for the time when her groom would come to take her as his bride, a time unknown to the bride or the groom, a time when the groom’s father decided the groom had prepared a suitable space for the bride. The groom also prepared himself and their new dwelling place, usually an addition to the father’s home.

Usually in the night a year or so after betrothal, the trumpet blew, the rejoicing began, and the grooms and friends paraded to the bride’s home to take her to his father’s home where the marriage was celebrated.

A year’s anticipation and preparation.

Trip from home

For Keith and me, a two-week trip abroad takes months of planning, preparation, and enthusiastic anticipation. Our preparation includes:

1. Intensify our workouts to prepare our bodies for the cobblestones, stairs, and climbs that we will encounter.
2. Learn about the food and precautions that I need to take as a celiac (gluten-free) to keep me healthy.
3. Research the countries and learn the customs and a few words of the languages of the countries we’ll be visiting.
4. Plan our itineraries down to the timeframes and places.
5. Understand the weather.
6. Pack our bags.
7. Discuss past experiences.
8. Anticipate the day of departure.

Move from earth

As Christians, we have a much more significant trip ahead of us, a permanent move, a move from earth into a new heaven and a new earth, a move escorted by none other than the Creator of the Universe, our Messiah, Savior, Jesus.

What if we prepared for this move as intensely as we prepare for a short trip? It might look like:

1. Intensify the care we give our bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit.
2. Consume the Word of God as we learn about God’s nature.
3. Research the customs and understandings of Biblical times.
4. Pray for wisdom in preparation.
5. Understand the path we are to take on earth.
6. Pack our bags with what matters for eternity.
7. Discuss God’s work in our lives and the lives of others.
8. Anticipate that glorious day when Jesus will come for His bride, the church.

Are you ready?

My prayer

Jesus, our Bridegroom, teach us how to prepare for Your coming for Your bride. Fill us with wisdom as we eagerly anticipate Your return. Lord Jesus, come quickly.