Making a Home for His Bride

A friend is making a home for his bride, I realized today.

That’s what’s taking him so long.

It’s not a new bride, it’s the woman he married more than 40 years ago.

But their house burned down in 2017.

He’s been rebuilding a new home for his (still wonderful) bride ever since.

Where does the idea come from?

I don’t think either one sees it this way.

They’re both frustrated more than 4 years after the Tubbs fire destroyed their home. (And nearly 6000 others in my county on one ghastly night).

Her frustration is because it’s taking so long for him to rebuild the house himself.

He’s an excellent craftsman. He wants it to be perfect.

She just wants to use her own shower and cook in the gorgeous kitchen.

I’ve been sympathetic. But today I realized what he is, probably unintentionally, doing.

He’s making a home of splendid beauty for the woman he married and has loved well every since.

Such a sentiment puts a different spin on the situation, doesn’t it?

The Biblical idea–a bridegroom making a home for his bride.

Many are familiar with the Gospel account of Jesus’ parents’ betrothal.

The Jewish custom was for a couple to become betrothed, which set the bridegroom’s actions in motion.

He had to create a home for his prospective wife and eventual family. The betrothed bridegroom often spent a year preparing for his bride.

He didn’t tell the woman when he would finish–though I’m sure she paid attention to what was happening in her new home!

One night, the groom and his friends arrived to claim the bride and take her home.

The shout went up, “the Bridegroom cometh!”

Let the party begin!

Who is the Bride of Christ?

Meanwhile, the Bible tells Believers that we are the bride of Christ.

Jesus loves His Church.

In John 14:3, Jesus told His disciples the time had come for Him to depart.

“I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

After Jesus died on the cross, He rose–thus demonstrating His power of sin and death.

Jesus spent 40 days showing himself to many people in the Jerusalem area.

When the time came, He returned to heaven.

But, He sent the Holy Spirit–to live with us forever, and to remind us that Jesus is making a home for us.

It’s eternal, and He’s coming back.

Waiting

When will the bridegroom come? When will the house be finished?

Soon.

The Book of Revelation warns we need to be ready, anticipating the bridegroom’s return.

My friend is helping her husband, and they both keep a list.

But anything could happen, at any time.

One day, the trumpet will sound, “for the marriage [feast] of the Lamb has come.”

Celebrations will break forth for some of us, and we’ll marvel at the beauty awaiting us.

The Beautiful End of Making a Home

We all know our friend made a beautiful home for his bride–we can see the lines in place, the gorgeous stonework, the cabinetry.

We also know the Lord makes a beautiful place for us in heaven–if it were not true, He would not have told us He went ahead to prepare a place.

All we can do in the waiting is keep our hearts pure before God, be patient, and look forward.

The day is coming.

Soon we all will be home.

Meanwhile, Greg loves you, Connie.

Welcome home!

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