Ephesians 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 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.
Tonight we are only focusing on the last two verses. I included the surrounding Scripture, so as not to take it out of context AND it drives me batty to pick up in the middle of something because to me it is a little like getting in on an ongoing conversation.
As anyone here knows, I really enjoy entertaining at home. Actually, just this past Sunday, we were blessed to have our Sunday school class over for a cookout, which is what brought me to this topic.
Mid-July we had something at our house two weekends in a row. The first weekend we were having spaghetti and I told Jonathan I was going to be aggravated if it got on the tablecloths before the next week because I had more to do than get out a tomato stain!
Well, about 5 minutes after we started dinner I, yes, I, spilled spaghetti sauce right on the cloth! GRR! After everyone left, I noticed that there was some on the other table, too, but I wasn’t irritated by that, it was that I goofed. Then I went to where the men sat, 5 men, not ONE STAIN! I couldn’t believe it! Not a speck on the chairs or the floor, spotless!
Just a few minutes ago, I looked at the cloths I have on my tables in the den.. WRINKLED, WR INKLED, WRINKLED! Did it really look like that to my guests last weekend! Oh brother! My friends have such grace!
On a more “personal” note, some ladies (none of us, I’m sure), are concerned with an “aging” process, sometimes involving the wrinkling of the skin with “laugh lines” or “crow’s feet”. I’ll tell you what, I would take that any day before having to return to my 20’s and “grow up” again!
Our Precious Lord, the Church’s Groom, is waiting eagerly for us to be presented to Him one day! The one who numbers the hairs on our head, is far more concerned with inner beauty than all of the necklaces in our jewelry box or shoes in our closet!
Our church, His Bride, doesn’t need to adorn Herself with fancy surroundings and adornments to be noticed by Christ. It must please Him just as much to see a few, sincere in heart and walk with Christ as a tremendous structure, filled with Believers. He is all about quality above quantity, I believe.
Don’t try to cover the pimples with makeup or stuff that excess weight into a painful girdle! No huge stain-glass windows, elaborate furnishings or outlandish choir robes will cause Him to pursue us.
Jesus knows the sins are there, every blemish. They have been covered by His blood. Nothing WE can do will make us more or less attractive to Him. He has chosen us in our worst condition and He has made us worth His affections. His grace is sufficient, although it is NOT a license to do as we please!
Because we are the Lord’s, our hearts should remain faithful to Him by walking in a manner pleasing to our Groom, not taking His love for granted.
Just think how you prepared yourself for your wedding day, if you had an elaborate ceremony or went to the courthouse, as the Bride, you wanted to be beautiful for the love of your life!
Ladies, we want to be soft and gentle with one another and in doing so, may it be that our men remain strong, yet tender toward us, our children and others. The Holy Spirit can soften the spirit of even the most gruff . He is Creator God! He can certainly melt a heart of stone where we could spend a lifetime of trying!
When our Savior removes that veil between Heaven and earth, let Him smile brightly as He looks upon the Bride He made worthy by laying down His life for Her.
May we sparkle with anticipation. Let us have a glow from the inside out, exhilarated to at last be united with the One we love, because He first loved us! Let our aroma be that of one who is bathed in Scripture. Let Him take delight in claiming us as His own!
Prayer
Father God
Please help us as individuals and as the Body of Christ
Prepare for that Great Wedding Feast
You are getting everything together, Lord
To bring us to Yourself
Let us, God
Do what we should
Tell those who will hear
About You
Please strengthen our prayer lives, God
Bring to mind those we may not ordinarily consider
You know the issues people face, so we do not need specifics
To intercede
Let us pray for the leaders of our homes, church, government and world
Call to mind, please, the missionaries, prisoners, children and widows
Bring into memory those who are hurting, and praise for those who have enjoyed a season of celebration
We want our testimony to emit a pleasing fragrance, Father
Please keep in our hearts, an everlasting appreciation for the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross
In the Name of Jesus Christ we pray,
Amen
Songs
Wagner’s Bridal Chorus (Pipe Organ Solo)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6rX3wlDsVI
Holy, Holy, Holy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBGTPh2Xn_o
Agnus Dei
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23qHt9q2kTw
credits: Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture OUR GROOM
Stories, verses, chapters from the Word
Encouraging words from the Lord, family and friends
Ability and opportunity to share
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