03 Jan 2014
Hi all,
The Lord has been speaking to Phyllida and me about
preparing the bride for her heavenly bridegroom. It is clear that this is the
next phase of our ministry together.
Yesterday we were reminded of a vision I had in Fish
Hoek. At the time, Phyllida was the Chairlady of Aglow. Once per month the
ladies would meet in one of the halls in Fish Hoek for praise and worship, a
short message, prayer and ministry. It was an all ladies meeting but men were
not excluded. In those days I would take Phyllida to the hall, stay a few minutes
and then leave to attend to whatever it was that had to be done. Later, I would
slip back into the hall and sit at the back, waiting for the meeting to
conclude.
On one particular occasion, I was quietly minding my own
business, sitting at the back of the hall. Suddenly I had a vision of a bride.
This was no ordinary bride. She was the most exquisite bride I’ve ever seen. To
say she looked absolutely stunning is an inadequate statement.
When I arrived home, I felt constrained to write down
the vision. That’s when I started writing the poem I’ve called “Come”. It was
written slightly differently. As a marriage officer and from personal
experience, I have a good idea of what goes through the bridegroom’s mind while
standing at the altar waiting for his beloved. That is when it occurred to me
that I should compose the poem from the bridegroom’s point of view. The problem
was, I was to try and put down in verse, something of what the Lord Jesus would
be thinking and feeling when He marries His Bride.
Now I realise that it is only possible for me to write
things down in terms with which we are all familiar. I cannot describe the
reality of heaven. But I could express something of what many men feel while
standing at the altar. In this way it would be possible to convey the
excitement and wonder of the occasion of Jesus’ wedding to His bride. Note: I’ve
used familiar terms to describe the indescribable. I’ve also taken liberties
with some of the features customary to a typical Western World type Christian
wedding.
For example I’ve referred to a “honeymoon” in the poem. I make no
claim to some new revelation that Jesus will take His bride away on honeymoon.
The poem is thus more of an allegory than fact. What it does do is express,
somewhat inadequately, Jesus thoughts at His wedding. It is not intended as a new
doctrine. It stems from imagination rather than reality. In spite of this you
may sense in your spirit something of what Jesus is “experiencing” as he stands
waiting at the altar for His Bride.
Phyllida and I believe the “Bride of Christ” should
begin to focus on the forthcoming wedding to Jesus. He expects His people to be
“ready” when He returns. So let us prepare for His return. Let us begin preparing
in much the same way a woman prepares for her wedding. You ladies know what I
mean. We men struggle with the concept of being part of the Bride. We need the
Holy Spirit’s help, alongside your help, such that when the day dawns, we will
all be ready for the greatest day in our lives!
Shalom,
“Come!”
PRAYER
Lord,
what is the picture that You would have me paint.
A
very special portrait for a very special saint.
A
picture to bring comfort and help her try to see,
What’s
about to happen to the one betrothed to Thee.
I’d
like to try and show her how You feel about Your bride.
The
keen anticipation You have bubbling inside.
I’d
like to draw the veil aside so she can take a peek,
At
all the preparations; and then to ask You, speak
To
her about the wedding, and of the part she’ll play,
So
she may get a glimpse of what will happen any day.
ANSWER:
See
the decorations. See what’s been prepared.
Nothings
too much trouble. No expenses spared.
Look
at all the tablecloths. See the fine detail.
Everyone
a masterpiece on a gigantic scale.
Made
from purest linen, enhanced with fine damask.
Hand
stitched by the angels who exalted in their task.
Look
at all the dinner plates laid out in perfect rows.
Fashioned
out of diamonds. Observe how each one glows!
The
goblets on the table, designed to look like bells,
Were
chiselled out of marble as thin as oyster shells.
See,
the candelabra, with aromatic oil,
Shining
like a million suns with light which cannot spoil.
The
fragrance and the perfume have been carefully selected.
There’s
only just a trace of it. But it can be detected;
Recognised
by everyone as what they each prefer,
Combined
with flower blossoms, and just a hint of myrrh.
The
seats around the table were specially made for Me;
Hand
crafted to perfection from solid ebony;
Inlaid
with polished walnut and rosewood decoration,
And
scarlet velvet padding for a royal coronation.
The
room is large and airy. It’s circular in size.
No
matter where a person sits, they’ll look into My eyes.
No
matter where a guest may be, each one will sit beside
The
honoured bridal party, the Bridegroom and My bride.
The
entertainment’s perfect; The music is sublime;
Conducted
by an angel and composed by the Divine.
The
timbre’s soft, yet lilting, to set the heart on fire,
Accompanied
in harmony by the angelic choir.
The
Church is a Cathedral. It’s specially designed,
To
cope with the invited guests. The walls have all been lined
With
panelling of cedar, upon which has been draped,
Tapestries
of golden thread, all beautifully shaped,
And
woven in the texture of pure translucent silk.
Exquisite
in their artistry, in frames as white as milk.
The
altar is behind me. I’m standing right beside.
My
heart is filled with longing. I’m waiting for my bride.
I’m
filled with expectation and terribly excited.
My
love is reaching out to her, and with her I’m delighted.
The
guests have all been seated. The organ has begun
To
play a Royal Wedding March. I feel I want to run!
I
want to run and catch you and hold you very tight.
I’ve
waited, O so very long, and now the time is right
I
gaze in expectation at the carpet on the floor
It
stretches right from where I am beyond the Church’s door.
It’s
coloured red as crimson. Its pile is deep and plush.
No
one has ever walked on it. Then suddenly, a hush
Descends
upon the people. The moment has arrived.
That
instant in eternity for which creation's strived.
I
hear the trumpet signalling it’s fanfare of delight.
I
lift My eyes and I behold a real breathtaking sight.
For,
standing in the doorway is the woman of my dreams.
The
only one I’ve ever loved. The one who truly means.
Far
more to Me than anything or anyone I’ve known.
The
woman I am longing for to share our Heavenly home.
I
gaze at her enraptured. She is a stunning sight.
She’s
wearing a white wedding gown of shimmering, liquid light.
It
has no spot or wrinkle, or stain of any kind.
The
outline of its symmetry is perfectly defined.
It
reaches from her shoulders to just above the ground,
Alive
with pleats and swirling folds where shadows can’t be found.
Her
veil is woven gossamer that’s overlaid with lace.
It
stretches from her coronet, obscuring her shy face.
Her
bouquet’s made from orchids, white as the driven snow,
Which
compliment her wedding gown and helps to make it glow.
My
hands spread out in greeting. My only thought is, “Come!”
“Come
to Me, My darling!” Her beauty strikes Me dumb!
I
almost can’t believe it. It’s too much to take in.
At
last I’m looking at My bride! Here is My next of kin.
I
hear the music’s playing. She’s walking down the aisle
The
journey takes forever. It seems a million miles.
My
heart inside is pounding. It’s beating like a drum
And
all I want to say to her is, “Come, My darling, Come!”
At
last she is in front of Me. I take her by the hand.
We
turn and face My Father. In front of Him we stand.
“Do
you take this woman?” I hear My Father say.
“Will
You love and honour her, regardless? Come what may?
So,
in front of everyone, our marriage vows we make.
We
promise to be faithful and then I gently take
The
veil that was obscuring your face so I can see
An
unobstructed vision of the woman made for Me.
Now I
see her clearly. I gaze into her eyes.
The
woman I am looking at’s not hard to recognise.
Lovelier
than sun rise on roses dabbed with dew.
The
one who takes My breath away; My precious one, it’s YOU!
Can
you see the picture? Do you understand,
What
it is I’m saying as I reach out with My hand?
Can
you feel the tension of what is in the air?
Comprehend
what has been done in order to prepare
For
the special moment when I will take My bride,
To
live with through eternity - forever by My side?
Tell
this to My daughter. Tell her what I see.
Tell
her that I love her. She’s sanctified for Me.
Say
I’ve been protecting her each moment, every day
Smoothing
out the obstacles strewn all along the way.
Tell
her that I see her as a girl of seventeen,
Radiant
and virginal; the portrait of a queen.
Not a
spot or blemish; completely wrinkle free.
Ultimate
perfection personified for Me.
Isn’t
it fantastic? Isn’t it sublime?
Isn’t
this a miracle direct from the Divine.
Isn’t
this the vision that’s coursing through your soul?
The
thing you have sort after and set up as your goal?
For
I’ve watched you dreaming and know what you desire.
Know
you have a love for Me, that’s set your heart on fire.
Watched
you face life’s problems. Know what you can do.
Understand
your weaknesses, and I would say to you.
“Do not be downhearted, bothered or
perplexed.
I‘ve seen what you’ve been doing, and
know what happens next.
So, can reassure you, there’s nothing you
need fear,
For I will take the pain away and dry up
every tear.”
“Take courage now My daughter. The
wedding has been planned.
The invitations have been sent to all
throughout the land.
The bridal chamber’s been prepared. The
honeymoon is booked.
The wedding feast will soon take place. The
food is being cooked.
There’s nothing left outstanding; no
detail left undone.
You know that I can hardly wait, and so I
bid you, “Come!”
“Come to me the way you are. Put on your
wedding gown.
It is robe of righteousness, as soft as
eider down.
You can’t improve upon it, regardless how
you try.
I gave it to you as a gift, which money
cannot buy.”
“You do not need cosmetics. Your beauty’s
not skin deep.
Put aside your jewels. The crown I give,
you’ll keep.
Your hairstyle’s unimportant. A perm, you
do not need.
And as for your accessories - put them
aside, I plead.”
“So, finally, My precious one, to you I
am appealing
Come and wear My wedding ring. I say
again with feeling.
Come and join your bridegroom and be My
blushing bride.
For this is the inheritance for which
you’ve often cried.
United with your lover, your husband and
your King.
To sit with Me in glory and wear My
wedding ring.”
Jim Strickland - 1998
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