The Bridegroom Cometh

M

ost of you know that my husband has been building a new house for us. Because I've been a contractor's wife for a couple of decades, I know there's no specific end date to a project. Weather, inspections, and the fact that things don't always go as planned all play into the project deadline. These are events that you can't control. So, I know better than to set a "finish" date. Still, I have to keep busy with the packing and cleaning. (We have renters moving in as soon as we vacate!!)

One of the unusual things that has happened with this house (yes, we've built several), is that Lance isn't letting me in to help or see it until moving date. Generally, I'm on the jobsite putting on coverplates and doorknobs, or cleaning. A few weeks ago, Lance quit letting me visit, and told me that I was like "the Jewish fiance" who's bridegroom goes off to prepare a place for her -- she doesn't know when he's coming back to get her, but she must prepare herself for the day. He's determined not to let me see the finished product until he's done. It's hard to wait!! I know each little step that's taking place, and I want to see it. I know what a talented builder he is, and I'm anxious to get in there and take a look at his magnificent work. Still, it's really romantic that he's doing this—I feel every bit as treasured as a real princess!

There's another place being prepared for me right now by another Bridegroom. He said that He was going to prepare a place, and He will come again to get us. He didn't tell us when He would be coming either, and it's been a really, really long time since He made that promise. But Jesus is a keeper of promises, and He will come back to get us. Meanwhile, we need to be prepared for when He returns to get us.

I specifically went to one of my favorite passages of scripture today, because the waiting to get into the new house is distracting. I can't seem to focus on anything else. My diligence in preparing for the move is starting to disappear as I grow weary in waiting with no specific end date! Colossians 3 is a great passage to remind me where my focus needs to be, and what I need to be busy doing. This should keep me pretty occupied while I wait...

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.