“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Matthew 25:1 (NIV)
Monday night I watched the reality program, “The Bachelor”. I confess to also watching it last season, when the current gentleman had his hopes of love happily-ever rudely and openly smashed. I did not enjoy my front row seat to his very public and humiliating heartbreak. So I was glad to see he was going to be the “one” this year. I acknowledge more than mild curiosity regarding the senior citizen repeatedly showed getting out of the limo during the teasing pre-show commercials enticed me to watch. Whew, I relieved to learn she was there to put in for a bid for her grand-daughter and not herself. Twenty-five young women all vying for the attention of one mortal man of decent pedigree and background, all hoping to spend enough time and garner adequate favor to get that last rose and marriage proposal on the season finale. That young man is not the only bachelor to have his dream of being a bridegroom delayed.
That show made me think of Biblical bridegrooms. There a total of 22 mentions of the word in the Bible, each time engendering for me a level of regal expectation, purpose and excitement. The bridegroom in Matthew 25 was late, so late the virgins fell asleep. I imagine one beyond nervous bride. I see flower petals torn and strewn as she said “he loves me, he loves me not, he loves me….” The pacing the angst as she wondered if this wedding was ever going to take place. I see him strolling up, unhurried, confident and excited knowing that now that he had arrived, the wedding would take place.
The church as Christ’s bride has on many levels been pacing and questioning like the bride in the parable. Often questioning whether everything has been done to help move things along more swiftly. The Bible clearly states in Matthew 25:13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. We are to be like the virgins with the extra oil, prepared, ready and ready to shout “…Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet Him!
Making His praise glorious!
Ree
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Renee….I am so glad that you posted in Daughters!! You know how much I love your writings!!!Please make a habit of it!!!I think (KNOW) that the GOOD LORD has annointed your words and I am blessed each time I get a taste!!love you!!
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Thank you for the inspiring message! As a nearly 29 year old still single woman waiting (as patiently as I can) For Gods husband for me I find that sometimes I wish I could fall asleep and stop the pacing! But thanks for the reminder that I can stay hopeful and expectant one more day!
So glad this message helped you! Waiting on the Lord is not always easy, but always worth it!