The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

As a pastor, it is my privilege to officiate at a number of weddings. These are always special occasions which are filled with joy. One of my favorite parts of the wedding ceremony is when the bride is presented to the groom. It is always an encouragement to watch the groom’s face light up with joy as he sees his bride walking down the aisle. After the wedding ceremony, there is celebration! The wedding guests share in the joy of the newly married couple.
What a picture of the church’s relationship with Christ!

In Jewish society, a bride would be betrothed to a groom before the wedding day. Betrothal was considered to be legally binding although the marriage service had not taken place. At the proper time, servants would be sent to the house of the bride to bring her to the home of the groom’s father. A private marriage service would be completed, and then the public marriage celebration would begin.

The imagery is clear -- the church is the beloved bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27). She awaits the consummation of her relationship with the bridegroom (John 3:29). The New Testament pictures the kingdom of God as a great wedding feast which is extravagant in nature (Matthew 22:1-3). The church awaits the future day of heavenly celebration: “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:7). What a glorious day that will be!
Let us keep our eyes on that future day!
Till with the vision glorious,
Her longing eyes are blest
And the great Church victorious
Will be the Church at rest. (Samuel J. Stone)