A Royal Wedding
I admit, I arose at 4 a.m. today to watch the wedding of William and Kate. For Americans who soundly rejected all the British tradition, hierarchy, and rule back in the 1770s, we sure do love a royal wedding these days. They do pomp and circumstance like no one else in the world.
As in most weddings, however, the bride’s dress became an object of intense speculation and anticipation. Who would design it? What would it look like? How long will the train be? How will the bride pull it off?
The new Duchess of Cambridge was simply radiant. Her dress was both elegant and modern, a beautiful combination of classical and trendy. I’m not much of a fashion critic, but even I could see it. really. worked.
The spectacle and ceremony of this–yes, royal, but–human couple being joined in marriage should remind Christians of an even greater wedding yet to come. Revelation 19 gives a glimpse of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, whose Bride is the Church. If you believe in Jesus Christ–that he is the Son of God crucified as your substitute to satisfy the wrath of God, then raised to life again in triumph–if He is your God, then you join with other believers to become His Bride. One day you will be presented to him in a joyous ceremony that will, in effect, kickstart eternity.
Believe it or not, even the bride’s wedding dress gets a mention in scripture.
Revelation 19:7-8 “‘Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herslf ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.’ (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)”
Fine linen…righteous acts of the saints. We will be clothed in the memorable, righteous actions that we take on behalf of our Groom, Jesus. Wouldn’t you like to know that you contributed some of those threads to the gorgeous attire we will be wearing? Let’s consider our behavior, how we live out our faith. Is it merely lip service, or do we “walk the talk”?
Anticipate your Wedding. Like the royal bride today, spend many months and years preparing for that moment. She had royal protocol and pressure, beauty and fashion, nerves and emotion to consider. We have service to our King, our Groom… a life devoted to Him.
Revel in it!
Kelley Mathews
Kelley Mathews (Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary) has written and edited for the Christian market for more than 20 years. Currently a writer for RightNow Media, she lives in North Texas with her husband and their four children. She has partnered with Sue Edwards to coauthor Mixed Ministry, Women’s Retreats, Leading Women Who Wound, Organic Ministry to Women, and 40 Questions about Women in Ministry. Find her books and blog at KelleyMathews.com.
2 Comments
yufred
A beautiful picture
Kelley:
I know. Many men would care less about a royal wedding. And I can't believe I am writing short comment on this either. You are not alone waking up at early dawn. No, not me. My wife did. She spent most of the day celebrating this almost once in a lifetime event. You see, she was born in England and totally into this royal wedding event. She even stood next to the late lady Diana when she appeared in a community event. She followed all the details on TV (recorded the entire event) and 'play by play' on the internet. Like all Brits, she took a day off here so she can watch and celebrate with them. Watch and celebrate with our little ones. Dress them up as prince and princess (my boy was in a Buckingham palace guard's outfit, similar to the prince's).
So, I enjoyed reading this reminder of getting ready for our Groom, Christ. It is a beautiful picture recorded in Revelation! I am reminded of 1 Pet 3:15 as well. Are we ready? Have we been preparing and walking our best to give the reason for the hope that is in us?
zoneyhab
Royal wedding is the world
Royal wedding is the world top rank wedding…..that's a great couple in the world ..i am very excited about this marriage..thanks