There is an interesting story in Genesis 24 about Abraham,
in his old age, arranging for a bride for his son, Isaac. You must understand the different customs of
those days and some of the things that transpired in the arrangement might seem
strange.
Abraham talked one of his servants in to making a trip back
to their home country to find Isaac a wife, because he had promised he would
not take a wife for Isaac from the Canaanites.
So the servant set out on his search for a bride, taking with him a team
of camels, and gifts for the girl's family and for the girl herself.
It's interesting reading if you wish to take the time to
read the whole story and learn of the planning that went into the deal to make
Rebekah Isaac's wife. You should go read
the story for yourself to learn all the details, but I will tell you, it
involved Rebekah returning to meet the man she was going to marry, wearing the
gold bracelets he had sent as gifts.
Another gift was the gold ring for her nose. (The nose ring is not suggested for today's
weddings.) The point is, there was
celebration and the adornment of gold and all things "flashy" because
of the importance of the wedding.
Even in our culture, both men and women will wear jewelry
when there is a special occasion. The
celebrations at such events seem to put us into a mood for fun and enjoyment. Tonight I witnessed the TV coverage of just
such an important event.
"My" San Antonio Spurs were victorious in winning
the NBA Championship last June, and tonight, in the first game of the new season,
all the coaches, support staff, and players were awarded their rings. Gold
rings with lots of diamonds. It was certainly a time for celebration.
While watching the ring presentation on TV, I began thinking
of the celebration with singing and dancing and happiness when Jesus
returns. That will be the marriage feast
of the Lamb. That is when we, by God's grace, will meet Jesus face to face,
knowing it was his sacrifice that paid for our sins. There will not be a dry eye, nor will there
be a frowning face.
We can say with Paul, " I
have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me the crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and
not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
On the basis of my own righteousness I am nothing and will
never receive the eternal reward. But
praise be to God, because of the righteousness of Jesus, covering me and
washing me clean, the crown will adorn my head, and also be awarded to everyone who has longed for the return of
the Lord.
That's a celebration I do not want to miss!
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