“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2 ESV
How does a bride prepare for her Bridegroom?
I was 21 years old when my husband proposed to me in front of my parents. I was so excited and happy that I couldn’t think about anything else. My thoughts were only on my fiancé. But after I recovered from the initial shock, my parents sat me down, and we talked about the wedding preparations. Choosing a date; choosing the bridesmaids; making a wedding list; looking for a venue; selecting a menu; ordering invitations; looking for a church; looking for the perfect dress and shoes; finding a band, and photographer, etc. It was so overwhelming that I left all the planning to my mother. All I ever wanted was to marry my prince. So I went along with everything my mother suggested.
During this waiting period, the bride prepares herself for her bridegroom. She doesn’t do it to win his love because he already loves her and chose her to be his bride.
The same is true with our Lord Jesus. He chose us, set us apart, and eagerly awaits the day He would see His bride.
During the waiting period, we (the bride) want to transform our hearts and thoughts to be pure; we want our faces to shine brightly when we see Jesus face to face.
We are spoken for by our Lord, Jesus. What does that mean?
Like a bride-to-be, we are engaged, set apart, called out, a holy bride. Forbidden waters hold nothing for you and me. Let us not waste our time by settling for a one-night stand in the arms of a stranger (the world).
Let us guard our hearts against the root of bitterness, unforgiveness, and giving in to worldly temptations. Let us spend this waiting period to get to know our Bridegroom by reading His Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out by “setting our minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2 ESV)
We are engaged to royalty, and our Prince, Jesus, is coming one day to take you and me home with Him. So, let us wait with expectancy for the return of our Bridegroom, and as we wait, let us keep our eyes on Him and prepare our hearts and body until His return.
Lord, thank you for choosing me and setting me apart to be Your bride. Help me keep my eyes on You and everything pure as I expectantly await Your return. I love you, Lord Jesus.
Reference:
- Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a Good News Publishers publishing ministry. Used by permission. All rights reserved
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