The Waiting Bridegroom

Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a friend’s wedding. The groom himself greeted his guests and offered them seats. His attitude was casual and relaxed, yet underneath his calm exterior, I sensed a quiver of anticipation.

I admit that I observed his expression carefully as the bridesmaids began their measured march down the central aisle. Then the music changed, and the crowd stood.

The groom caught his first glimpse of his bride.

How can you describe the expression of a man who sees the woman he loves coming down the aisle to commit herself to him forever? I have seen some men weep openly with joy. Others have caught their breath, transfixed by the sight of their brides.

This particular groom smiled widely, his eyes alight with excitement. When he later spoke his vows to her, vows written by himself, the expressions of devotion, love, and commitment were not simply clichés. They were unbreakable promises before God.

2 Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

As I thought about this scene, I was reminded of our true Bridegroom. He has waited for two thousand years for a glimpse of His Bride. He yearns for her more deeply than any earthly groom has longed for the woman he loves. He is building and preparing a home for her to live with Him forever, and He cannot wait for the celebration of His own marriage.

And the Bride? When her Bridegroom is ready to make her His own, will He find her still faithful? Will she likewise spend her betrothal period in diligent preparation? Will she be worthy of wearing white when she at last sees her Husband for the first time?

Think of that moment. It is not simply a misty hope for a distant future. If you know Jesus Christ, this is your future. Whatever passion and delight have fallen from the lips of a man as he expresses his love for his bride, they will be poor comparisons with the depth of love poured out by the True Bridegroom.

When the waiting is long, remember Him. Remember that He longs for the marriage constantly. Remember that He is faithful and His love never wavers. Remember that the day could come at any time.

Are you ready?

Revelation 19:6-9a
And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.