1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (NKJV)

Did you know as a Christian you are part of a royal priesthood?  

I was reminded of this today as I watched the absolutely beautiful wedding of Prince William and Princess Catherine – now known as the Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge.  

How many of you were glued to the TV while watching the historic event of a future king and queen marrying?  Well, I hadn’t planned to watch the wedding, but I was awakened at 5:30am and was suddenly captured by the fanfare!  

Personally, I was thrilled that scriptures were read and were heard all over the world!  Hallelujah!  I wept for that couple and prayed God would give them strength, protection, and wisdom as they fulfilled the call on their young lives.  Catherine (Kate) looked absolutely “made” for this role.  She was poised and at ease.  I kept thinking of the call that God must have for them — for such a time as this.

She looked like the perfect bride, adored by her handsome groom.

Our groom adores us as well.

He is coming back for His bride – a sanctified, glorious church. 

Ephesians 5:25-27
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

All eyes will see Him returning.

Matthew 24:30

Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Many plans were made well in advance for today’s big royal event.  Each detail was handled with great care.  The bride and groom practiced their parts — rehearsing the plans for their special day.


We won’t know the exact details of our grooms arrival or return.

Luke 21:25-28
And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.

Mark 13:35-37
Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—  lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping.  And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!

Many people just go about life, not concerned that there is a Holy Bridegroom who will be coming.  They are blinded by the cares of this world.   Some may think they will have time to cry out to Jesus just before they die.

Luke 17:35-36
Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left.  Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.

That last scripture reminded me of the Left Behind series.  That is exactly what happened.  In the movie, people were on airplanes when suddenly the children and the Christians were gone.
 

Our Bridegroom is coming Church!  What a great reminder today.  It will be a glorious day for those of us who know Him.  

But what about you?  Are you prepared?  


Don’t assume you will have time to get things “right” …

Matthew 25:1-13
Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.  Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,  but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
  “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’  Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.  And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’  But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
  “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’  But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
  “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”

I don’t know about you, but I want to be like a wise virgin …

This topic reminded me of this old song (please take a moment to watch):

(Picture was of me and my sweetheart on our wedding day.  Gotta love the 80’s fried/permed hair.  Oh my.)