I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I betrothed you to Christ to present you as a pure bride to her one husband.

~2 Corinthians 11:2 RSV

During wedding season, brides and grooms are eagerly waiting for the day when their beloved becomes their own.

As the Bride of Christ, Jesus, the Son of God, is our Bridegroom. We also look forward to the day we will become one with Him. But in the waiting, I can’t help but wonder if we have grown slack in our preparation. Has the intensity of our longing and fervor to see that day grown cold with the passage of time?

The Word says no one knows the day or hour of Jesus’ return, not even Jesus. Only the Father knows (see Matthew 24:36).  Since Jesus was taken up into the clouds (see Acts 1:9), He has busied Himself preparing an eternal place for us. Not a day has passed that His love and attention have not kept us in His tender affection. The efforts of the Master Carpenter focus on preparing a perfect place for His beloved bride. Even now, He joyfully awaits the day, and His eyes search the face of the Father, for a sign that the day is approaching.

Beloved Bride, has your passion for preparing Yourself for Christ’s return grown lukewarm? Have you grown weary in the waiting?  

Are you ready for your Bridegroom’s return?

Father God, renew my passion for You and rekindle the flame for my first love, Jesus Christ.  Reveal to me where my wedding attire has become torn and dirty by slight indiscretions. Shine Your light on the love affairs of my heart because I’m often influenced by the ungodly pursuits and habits of this world.

Gift me with a repentant heart that shuns all other lovers and holds fast to purity and my commitment to my Bridegroom. Wash me clean by the blood of the Lamb and cover me in Christ’s robe of righteousness. Help me to ready myself for His glorious appearance. And on that day when the sky parts and I see Him in full splendor descending from the clouds, may I stand unashamed, overflowing with joy, radiant, and without spot or wrinkle (see Ephesians 5:27).

Father, only You know the day and the hour, but I long for that day. I see signs that the day is nearing. Prepare me, Lord. The Spirit and I and the Bride say, “Come, Lord Jesus, Come.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Waiting for “The Day“: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly: All Rights Reserved