Every morning when you wake up, you should plan your day around a wedding. A wedding you are planning on attending. You see, there is a wedding that is going to take place that is going to make Williams and Kate’s wedding look like it was a backyard barbecue. It will be the event of the century where everyone in the whole wide world is invited. Every person in every generation gets an invite; see Matthew 24:14, Acts 17:30-31, and John 3:36.
You have gotten an invite. How are you going to RSVP?
The former president of the United States, Jimmy Carter, says, “We should live our lives as though Christ was coming this afternoon.”
To live in such a way, one needs to be intentional in how to live life. Is it your life to live (to do as you please) or have you surrendered it to Jesus, and you are following Him? Do you live by the Holy Spirit and what He is telling you to do, or do you plan your life and attach God and His Word to the areas you feel you need Him?
In the invite, Jesus is calling you to get yourself prepared for the wedding feast that will take place when He returns to bring His children home as He rectifies sin. The enemy and anyone found guilty of sin will be thrown into a lake of fire; see Revelation 20:10, 15, and 21:7. Jesus is coming back to end the power of sin that has burdened His creation since Adam and Eve. Afterwards, there will be a party like no other!
Look at Revelations 19:7-8, “Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to Him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself. She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear. For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people.”
Believers are Christ’s bride. Notice how the bride has prepared herself. This can only be done intentionally. Each person that receives their salvation from Jesus, receives white linen to wear. Your sins have been washed away and you are now white and pure as snow; see Isaiah 1:18, Psalm 51:7, and 1 John 1:9.
God gives you the Bible to learn from so you can be prepared for when Jesus comes to take you home, either personally or corporately. Here are some scriptures that will aid in living intentionally:
- Ephesians 6:13 – “Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then, after the battle, you will be standing firm.” Continue reading verses 14-18 for more insight into God’s armor.
- Matthew 24:42-44 – “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming (for you). Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” You must awaken to the enemy that wants nothing more than to invade your home. Home could mean your literal home where you family lives. It also could mean your very body and soul. Jesus makes His home within a repentant heart. For added insight read Matthew 13:24-30 to see how the enemy (likened to weeds) will break in.
- Matthew 13:1-23 talks about the condition of your heart. Jesus shares a parable about a farmer planting seeds. What kind of seed are you? The goal is to be seed that is mentioned in verse 23.
What would your mindset look like in the morning if you lived intentionally for Jesus? What actions would you take? Are you showering and shaving, allowing God to remove fleshy ways from you? As Pastor Troy said in his sermon last Sunday, “We need to rely on God who raises the dead. God will allow pain and suffering so He can wean you off of yourself and trust Him. We are to rely on God.” (Grace Church, Eden Prairie, MN, sermon titled, Comfort, from 2 Corinthians 1:1-11, 2.6.22)
As each day goes by, you are closer to seeing Jesus. When He comes, will He find you living intentionally for Him and His Kingdom, or for your own kingdom? One must prepare for the grand event. Make wise use of the time God has given you. Jesus wants to dine with you now so He can take you into eternity.
Carol J German 