Here Comes the Bride: A Declaration Over the Church
Her beauty, seemed hidden amongst the ever increasing darkness but in truth, it was only being refined in the fire of His glory. Unveiled in radiant splendor is a unity forged by the love and grace of the Holy Spirit. And triumphantly She arises to take Her place.
“Arise and shine,” Her Lover calls out to Her. The response in Her heart is as pure as the gifted robes that adorn Her shoulders given to Her by Her Beloved. Her eyes - completely unhindered, behold the One Her soul loves, as She steps out in glory.
Lifetimes of yielded preparation and sacrifice adorn Her neck reflecting how She has set Herself apart for Him. All discourse thrown into the fire, as unity is reflected in Her confident steps. Truth ringing strong and true in Her voice with every part of Her fragrant with the oil of intimacy. A declaration of Her full and utter surrender to Her Bridegroom.
The moment is the beautiful tension of letting go of what was and stepping into the new - who She was always meant to be. Looking back with gratitude for the sacrifices made within the journey. Knowing each step has led Her deeper into His eyes of fire.
This marker in time where life as She knew it would forever change from ‘I’ to ‘We’ - ‘Us and He’. A covenant of love only heaven could write. Vows so precious and sacred, all of Heaven bears witness to their words truly and faithfully spoken…”I do.”
As the world watches in anticipation the doors swing wide, and the wedding march begins to play. Great expectation fills the air and all turn their watchful gaze as She makes Her triumphal entry.
A voice rings out loud and clear for all to hear, “I implore you, arise and rejoice with me! Again I say, arise and rejoice! Ladies and gentleman, here comes The Bride.”
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you.…” - Isaiah 60:1-2
“I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” - Isaiah 61:10
“Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.” - Ephesians 5:22-27
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife has made herself ready…” - Revelation 19:7-8
“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.” - Revelation 22:17
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ ‘No,’ said the wise ones, ‘or there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. Later the other virgins arrived and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” - Matthew 25:1-13
