ESOCS Devotional 13 October 2023 -The Precious Bride
MEMORY VERSE: “Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” Revelation 21:11
TEXT: REVELATION 21:9–14 (KJV)
And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.
10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
Every bride is always a source of joy, especially on the wedding day. Prior to that day there is always an anticipation or expectation of how joyful and exciting the union will be. The other anticipation is the way the bride will turn out on that day, she has to of course be beautiful to behold by all – parents, in-laws, friends and so on, but the most important person who wants to see how beautiful and glorious she will turn out is the bridegroom.
The bridegroom would want to proudly and happily present her to his parents, people, friends and guest at the ceremony to the admiration of all.
This is the case of the precious bride. The bride is the Lamb’s wife. This bride has been prepared for the husband. And in the preparation was beautifully adorned for her husband the Lamb. So, John saw in verse 2 of Revelation 21 the coming down of the bride, which he called the Holy city and the New Jerusalem. He also saw that the bride was prepared.
Then he was later called up to see how beautiful and glorious this preparation is. The Lamb is our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and the bride is His Church. The book of revelation has shown us how the preparation of church is and what would be the end product. The church is meant to be glorious. The Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians told us the intention of our Lord Jesus concerning His Church “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:27.
Beloved, the church is the precious bride of the Lamb – our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He has been adorning the church with all precious and glorious things from heaven. However, on earth He has been preparing the church with His word according Ephesians 5:26.
Through His word he has been removing all spots, wrinkles and blemishes, making the church He wants to present to Himself and the Father holy and glorious. He has also been building up His to be strong and fruitful with the Word of His grace.
The big question therefore beloved is, are you part of this preparation process? Furthermore, are you submitted to His Word?
You need to tune in to the frequency of the Holy Spirit to make sure you are part of those who are being prepared to appear glorious and holy at the presentation. Day the marriage ceremony day, this is because we have a part to play in this preparation according to Revelations 19:7 “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.” We have to be part of the process because we would not imagine ourselves missing that day which is going to be wonderful, the book of revelation continues to say “…write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb…” (Rev. 19:9).
- Are you part of this Precious Bride of the Lamb? If not, become one while you are alive.
- Father, help me to submit to the preparation process for the brides presentation.
FURTHER READING: Isaiah 45:18 – end; Jeremiah 3:12–18; Luke 6:12 – 23
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ESOCS Devotional 13 October 2023
