But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. – John 17:13
Tradition has declared June to be the most desired month for weddings. In agrarian cultures, planting was done, and harvest was a long way ahead. Nature seemed to be blooming in an abundance of flowers and fragrances. In cultures like the Romans and Greeks, Juno, for which June is named, was married to Jupiter (Zeus in Greek), and she was the goddess of children and queen of the gods. People who married in “her” month were considered lucky. Today, June also begins vacation months when people are more likely to come from far and wide to attend weddings in the family. Whatever the timing, weddings are often the most joyful of family occasions.
In Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, He had asked the Father to keep, sustain, and protect His followers until the time He could claim them as His bride… a time when their joy would match His own. The day is fast approaching for the highly anticipated gathering of the Bride of Christ, the time when she, the Church, meets her Bridegroom, Christ the Lamb of God, and their covenant commitment one to another is celebrated in a joyful and splendorous wedding reception. Theologian Charles Spurgeon said, “I cannot conceive of our Lord Jesus Christ as ever being less than infinitely glorious. … The marriage supper is a feast of love; there, love is at home.”
As you attend marriages and receptions, celebrate the unique picture of Jesus’ covenant love for His bride. Let your affection for Jesus expand. “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1:8). As you eagerly look for Christ’s return, make sure you are ready. Pray for leaders in government who have yet to respond to the invitation of the Bridegroom.
Today’s Verse: John 17:13
3 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Revelation 19:6-10
6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
7 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;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure”—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
