Being married has taught me many things. It’s taught me how to serve, to be patient and to let my husband lead. In Ephesians, Paul gives instructions to husbands and wives.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” – EPHESIANS 5:25-27

I’ve read this scripture many times. I studied out the book of Ephesians in preparing myself for marriage. But during my quiet time today, I looked at this scripture differently.

The idea of marriage is a holy union from God. The church is the bride and Jesus is the bridegroom. And as the scripture reads, the bridegroom prepares his bride to be holy and blameless. We see this process demonstrated through Jesus.

After death, Jesus goes to prepare a place for His bride (the church), and through the Holy Spirit, He sanctifies and purifies His beloved church through His Word. So, if Jesus is constantly working to prepare a place for our eternity while also cleansing us to enter the kingdom “holy and blameless” what are we doing during that waiting period?

As with any big wedding day, the bride gets her hair, makeup and nails done. She makes sure her dress is ironed, her shoes are pristine and she’s perfect for her groom. I remember taking such care to preparing myself to meet my husband at the end of the aisle. And this scripture makes me ask myself if I’m putting the same effort into preparing for the day I meet Jesus.

It is our responsibility to remain faithful – immersed in His Will and Word – and wait for Him to return and receive us. So, if today was the big day, would you be ready to meet your heavenly bridegroom?