Joys To Come

“God, at the first, has visited the nations, to take out of them a people for His name (a Bride). And to this (truth) agree the words of the prophets, as it is written: ‘After this (taking a Bride) I will return, and will build again the Tabernacle of David, which is fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up: that the residue of mankind might seek after the Lord, and all the nations, upon whom My name is called, says the Lord, who does all these things.” (Acts 15:14-17).

As we approach Pentecost, it’s good to remember we’re in the midst of the greatest love story of all time. God is gathering a blood-bought people, from every nation, to share Christ’s Kingdom.  This group of people is called “The Bride of Christ” because they will forever share His reign of glory.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” is a love that cannot be measured. To a perishing world He gave the Source of Everlasting Life. To a sin-sick world, He gave the Source of Righteousness. To a hate-filled world, He gave the Source of Everlasting Love – and made it equally available to all by faith – “that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Don’t be distracted by the evil around us. The “Bride of Christ” is being gathered. She’s wearing the robe of righteousness provided through the Cross; She’s sealed by His Holy Spirit and wearing gifts of grace.  Her lamps are burning, her eyes are lifted toward Heaven, and her ears are straining for the sound of a Trumpet.

In a world that hates Christ and persecutes His Bride, she is unmoved. She proudly wears His name, knowing she will share the triumphs of His resurrection. May this Pentecost help us anticipate, focus, and prepare more for the joys about to break on those who love Christ.  

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)