The marriage of the Lamb in today’s reading refers to the union of Christ Jesus (the Bridegroom) and the Church (the Bride). There were three phases to a wedding in the days of Jesus while He was on earth. The first part was a contract signed by the parents and the bridegroom would pay the bride price, hence they would be betrothed. Then the second phase was the waiting period whereby she would be getting ready for the bridegroom to come with his friends and she would accompany him to his house (refer the Parable of the Ten Virgins -Matt.25:1-13). The third phase would be the marriage supper which may go on for days (Refer Wedding at Cana John 2:1-2).

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Understanding this illustration, we know Christ has already paid the price for His bride- each believer and the Church with His precious blood! Galatians 3:13 [NLV] says, “Christ bought us with His blood…” We who have agreed, accepted Christ are already betrothed to Him and are awaiting His return to take us to be with Him! Referring to His bride, it is written in Rev.19:7 “… and His bride has made herself ready.” The bride is referred to as the New Jerusalem in Rev.21:2&9-12 which includes the Old and New testament saints. The new Testament Church is a part of it.  Ephesians 5:32: “This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.” The relationship and union of a husband and wife is compared with the relationship and union of the Church with Christ! (Eph.5:24-31). Thus the Church is the bride of Christ!

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Again in 2 Corinthians 11:2 refers to each believer (or the Church) betrothed to Christ to be presented as a pure virgin!! Eph. 5:26,27 speaks of what Christ does for His bride: “…that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.” Rev.19:12 says, “His eyes are a flame of fire…” Fire in the Bible symbolizes that which destroys and that which purifies! In Rev.1:13 & 14 Jesus is presented as the High Priest. Vs.14 says “His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and Hs eyes were like a flame of fire.” White symbolizes purity – He is pure and Holy; the fire in His eyes is not a fire that destroys but a fire that purifies! He is our high priest who is Himself pure and purifies you and me!!

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Oh! bride of Christ, are you pure? Or is your mind led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ (2 Cor.11:3)? If we need to be presented pure before Him on that day, as a vessel of honour, a cleansing is needed. 2 Tim.2:22 says, “Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” May we earnestly desire to be kept pure and ready so that when Christ the Bridegroom comes, we will not be found wanting. Then will we be in the blessed lot of those who are invited to the Great Marriage Supper of the Lamb with the Old Testament saints!

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*Reference: www.gotquestions.org: Marriage Supper of the Lamb

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Think On: “Will you be found among the company at the glorious event of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb?”