Prepare for the Wedding

Matthew 25:10 (KJV)

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.         

The coming of the Bridegroom is at hand and hence it is very important for the bride (church) to understand her position regarding her preparedness for the glorious wedding. The Lord Jesus went to prepare a place for the bride, and He is about to come for her (church).

John 14:3 (KJV)

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

There is always an awesome expectation and excitement as people prepare for earthly weddings, however temporary. People spend a lot of time and finances in the arrangements and preparations for these earthly ceremonies. How much more then should believers take to prepare for this divine, glorious and everlasting wedding?

Mark 3:33 (KJV)

'Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is’

Prayer is a key element and requirement in the preparation for any wedding. The bride (church) ought to enhance her wedding arrangements and preparations through constant (without ceasing) prayer and intercession, and shouldn’t take for granted the coming of the Groom as the 5 foolish virgins did, and ended up in disappointment.

A bride who is excited over her wedding will always:

- Inform others of the details of her engagement and invite them so that they can join in and celebrate with her. One cannot hide the joy of letting her friends know of her wedding and wedding plans. Let the world be drawn to Him even as we share, testify and praise our Lord Jesus.

Matthew 22:9

'Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.

It is expected of the church to yield into missions, evangelizing and telling the world of the Good News. This is a mandate that the bride ought to accomplish before the coming of the Groom. The beauty of the wedding is in the masses that turn out to celebrate this victory. It is the Father’s joy to present to the Groom a glorious bride that has been successful in her mission field. Doing missions is the greatest and more fulfilling calling for the bride.

- Break camp. One who is betrothed does not entertain other players into her camp. She is committed to purity, faithfulness and pursues excellence. She ensures that people know that she is engaged and is not interested in other suitors. Her attitude, character and behavior are transformed to one who is ready for marriage.

There is little separation seen today. Many have let divine standards down. There is so much compromise, yet the difference between the world and the church ought to be distinct. The world must not be in the church as is evident in some quarters. The fact is that the closer you stay to Jesus Christ, the less you want of the world. Jesus is not coming for a bride who has the world in her.

The bride need to walk and talk like one who is betrothed. She ought not to talk, walk and act like the world or even those who have no hope whatsoever, hence her need and obligation to be consecrated.

2 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV)

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord….

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.

- Fellowship with the Bridegroom – A bride is always interested in being in contact with the groom, makes regular calls, cards, love letters and texts etc. The bride of Christ ought to be in communion with Him always through prayer, bible study and regular fellowships.

Constant communication and communion establishes love and trust. There is need that the church today doesn’t focus on Sunday services per se but that regular fellowship is established and maintained. Communion and fellowship is an indicator that the bride is eagerly and anxiously waiting for the Groom.

- Prepare the wedding gown – Matthew 22:11 speaks of a man kicked out of a wedding for lack of a proper wedding gown. We need to live in holiness and clothed in righteousness as we await the coming of the Bridegroom; our Lord Jesus Christ.

A pure and spotless bride is the epitome of beauty, righteousness and white adornment, all that a bridegroom could ever wish for in a bride. That is what is going to be presented to Jesus Christ - not something with spot, stained, with wrinkle, contaminated by this world - but something which has come out from the world, something which is separated from the world.

Jude 1:23-24

And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.

It is the delight of the Father to present a bride that is spotless to the Son. It is our responsibility to ensure that we keep the garment spotless and clean by maintaining a spiritual life of obedience and faithfulness, especially in this permissive and promiscuous generation.

1 Peter 1:16

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Blessings.

-- Pastor Samson Munyoki.


(07/09/14 Sunday Service Morning Exhortation, Teaching Transformation Ministry.) 

Pastor Sam is a pastor at Teaching Transformation Ministry. We are located along the Thika-Ruai Flyover Junction (at the Thika Rd./ Bypass intersection), Next to Eastgate Restaurant.