“Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” (Rev 19:9)
When our daughter was married, she considered the importance of the wedding ceremony and the covenantal nature of the marital union with each decision that was made. Both the bride and the groom were from unusually large families and wanted to be good hosts. So sometimes, preparations were overwhelming. But modern ceremonies pale in comparison to ancient marriage celebrations which occurred only after the groom had spent a year or so in preparation. Once betrothed, the groom would return to his father’s house to prepare a place for his bride (see John 14:3). Later, at an undisclosed date, he would return to claim her. This would initiate several days of wedding celebrations.
In this passage, we see that Christ has returned for his bride, and the wedding feast has begun, symbolizing an eternal union between Christ and the church. The marriage feast itself, the marriage supper of the Lamb, is prepared by the groom as a demonstration of his love and devotion to his bride.
We are the bride of Christ. As the church, we wait in hopeful anticipation of the impending marriage supper of the Lamb. Just as in ancient times, we do not know when our groom will return or when the marriage will be. But we can trust that he is busy now preparing, not just for his return, but to take us home.
Anticipate the marriage supper of the Lamb
Dalene (Rovenstine) Fisher is a wife, mother, and grandma. She is an associate professor of English, dean, and assistant provost at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
