There are few if any significant events in our lives that would surpass our wedding day. The bride in her white gown and the groom eagerly waiting the moment their eyes meet as they enter into a covenant with each other and with God. Preparation for the wedding took a lot of time and careful planning, paying attention to each detail so as to not overlook anything. The bride takes special care to prepare herself for her new husband. Her hair has to be just right; her nails groomed perfectly, her dress without wrinkle or spot, her veil carefully positioned to express her innocence and purity. All in all, the wedding day is one that is long anticipated, and its memory is one that lasts throughout a lifetime.

"And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." (Revelation 19:8)

The Bride of Christ can be similarly compared, however. Her dress is not one purchased by her; it is one that is GRANTED to her because she has made herself ready. The fine linen garment is a gift from the Bridegroom Himself, lavished upon His bride. It is fitting that the garment is linen as it represents the righteousness of the saints. We need to realize, however, that the garment is NOT hers by personal merit or gain; it actually belongs to her Groom as His righteousness is her covering. It is the gracious bestowment of the Lord; the reference here must be to that righteousness which is obtained by faith, the righteousness that results from justification through the merits of the Redeemer.

Have you made yourself ready? Are you positioned to be granted the garment made of fine linen, clean and white? Are you clothed with His righteousness?

These questions are the most important you could ever ask yourself. Set your sights upon Him as you begin your preparation for the day you will hear the blowing of the shofar and the message proclaimed, "Behold the Bridegroom Cometh . . . prepare ye the way of the Lord!"

Lord, what a beautiful picture of Your bride! Lord, help me remember that being granted the privilege of wearing the robe of white linen has nothing to do with me and EVERYTHING to do with You. Your righteousness is given freely to those who bear Your name and are walking in Your light. Lord, I long for the day when I will hear, "Behold the Bridegroom Cometh . . . prepare ye the way of the Lord!" Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen and Amen!

© Jan Ross
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