Daily Devotional for Friday, January 9

Jesus Used a Wedding for an Illustration

“And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridegroom fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days,” Luke 5:34, 35.

I remember it well, it was March 26, 2015, the last day of a ten-day tour of the Holy Land. Joyce and I were with our tour group, preparing for a “farewell meal” in the port city of Jaffa, in anticipation of heading home to the states the next day. As we made our way through the late afternoon, narrow, winding streets, past Simon the Tanner’s house, to the seaside restaurant, we suddenly found ourselves caught up in a group of happy, gaily dressed people who were apparently on their way to some special event. As we were wondering about the nature of the event, we rounded a corner and there before us was the answer to the mystery. Before us was a beautiful bride, dressed in white, trimmed in elegant lace, accompanied by her intended bridegroom, handsomely attired in a black suit, bowtie and white handkerchief. Both were wearing broad smiles as they and their attendants made their way to the joyful celebration. I took several pictures, and we felt somehow that for a moment, we had been a part of something special.  

Jesus used the example of a wedding to answer what was yet another unjust criticism of Him and His ministry. Jesus is the Bridegroom of the Church (Ephesians 5:22-33; Revelation 19:7-9). His presence is cause for joy, while His absence will be a time for prayer and fasting. The message was simple: discern the times, act accordingly.

            As the church in these last days, may we also understand the times in which we live and minister and conduct ourselves accordingly. As we wait, work, pray and fast, let us anticipate the great joy of His presence when He arrives.

FINAL THOUGHT

When the Bridegroom returns, will He find you watching or sleeping?

John Nations