Revelation 19:7-8
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear.”
(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)
What if I had to go out in the world dressed only in my good deeds for the day–spotless bride? Or (more likely) the Emperor’s New Clothes?
My wedding was more than 40 years ago. Our marriage has seen its battles. An oft-repeated theme is “You take me for granted!” And it’s true; we each expect the other to pick up the slack–with no recognition, no gratitude.
Beloved Lord Jesus, I confess that I personally and your Church corporately are guilty of taking you for granted. We ignore you till there’s a crisis, and then we assume that you will protect and provide for us–with no recognition, no gratitude. Thank you, dear Jesus, for not doing to us as we do unto you.
“Well married a person has wings, poorly married shackles.”
Henry Wade Beecher (1813-1887)
Certainly, as the bride of Christ we are well-married: Our Groom gives us more than mere wings–we have eternity in heaven. Why would anyone choose shackles instead?
We went to an outdoor wedding this weekend. Actually, I observed the wedding service from afar, as I wandered the hillside with the adorable flower girl, who was not at all interested in the ceremony. But even at a distance, everything was perfect.
A wedding–what’s your favorite part?
We look forward to a heavenly wedding (see Revelation 19). We’ll experience the joy, the glorious attire, reunion with loved ones and a heavenly celebration that beats the earthly ones all hollow.
It takes special insight to write something that’s still relevant 130 years later. William Longstaff demonstrated that insight when he wrote:
“Take time to be holy,
the world rushes on;
spend much time in secret
with Jesus alone.”
Surely the world rushed more slowly in the 1880’s. And the need to spend secret time with Jesus is greater now than ever.
Used to be, I didn’t much like this hymn. I thought it was corny and boring. Actually, I was short-sighted and quick-tempered. It was (and is) Rock-solid advice.
Dear God, I thank you for the time you give me, a nice straight line. For you, the end is the same as the beginning. Past, present and future are the same to you. I have a time line; you have a time bubble–rolling, shimmering, eternal and glorious.
Today, Lord, may I make honorable use of my line of time. Amen.
David Brainerd (1718-1747) is a remarkable example of a disciplined life. Physically unwell (likely TB), he had a well-exercised soul. His journal attests to the hours he devoted to prayer, Bible study and meditation. He said:
“When you cease from labour, fill up your time in reading, meditation, and prayer: and while your hands are labouring, let your heart be employed, as much as possible, in divine thoughts.”
Let your heart be employed in divine thoughts–what a way to spend one’s time!
David Brainerd’s ministry lasted only three years. The impact of his life is immeasurable. Remind you of Someone you know?
Hosea 10:12 (ESV)
Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness.
I’m an impatient gardener. If I had my way, we could reap the harvest without ever preparing the ground. Alas, it doesn’t work that way.
And if I want reap God’s goodness, I have to devote time to the groundwork–weed out bad habits, cast away sin stones, break up clumps of hard-heartedness.
Continuing on the theme of Time:
Do you have a daily quiet time with God?
God wants to spend time with you. You were designed to spend time with God. The enemy puts time and effort into squelching your alone time with God.
If you say, “I don’t have time for a daily conversation with God,” you may be wasting time.
Psalm 34:8 (NIV)
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Make it a feast, not a drive-through encounter. Take your time. Carry away more than a happy-meal bag of blessing.
