Let the Party Begin!

Daily Reading:  Revelation 19

Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 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 19.6-7)

Devotional Thought: Let the party begin!  Babylon (oppressive powers) has fallen and the wedding has come.  Consider a few things about the Heavenly Bride of the Lamb...

• She is a great multitude!  God has been working across all the centuries of human history to gather his bride.  You and I are part of something not only eternal, but immense! 

• She is not quiet! Have you ever been to Niagara Falls?  If so, then you know the sound that is ever present.  Lana and I have stood next to one another on The Maid of the Mist beneath the falls.  We had to shout to be heard.  The sound of the Bride worshiping in heaven could be mistaken for the sound of a thousand Niagara Falls.  (Shouldn't we get used to a little bit of noise in our earthly worship so we'll be ready for heaven's worship?)

• She is full of joy and gladness!  I cannot understand the critical, negative spirit of some who follow Christ.  Or the doom and gloom of those Christians who go about defeated.  God has created us for unending joy!  We are the Bride of Christ!  He fills our mouths with laughter and our hearts with joy!

• She gives God the glory!  It is Jesus who has purchased us for God.  It is our Savior who shed his blood that we might be redeemed!  He alone is worthy!

• She has made herself ready!  Her wedding dress was given to her to wear.  It is the righteousness of Christ.  We wear these robes of righteousness as we live in holiness and compassion.  God enables us to be the righteousness of Christ.  We live ready, having clothed ourselves with the garments he provides.

Hallelujah!  Let the party begin!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you have made us your bride.  Help us to be ready - with the praise of God on our lips and the garments of righteousness as our clothing - when it is time for that eternal party.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 106:1-5

1 Praise the LORD.Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORDor fully declare his praise?

3 Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right.

4 Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them,

5 that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise.