Post by Get off of TMB on Apr 28, 2020 19:03:23 GMT -5
Are you a friend of the Bride or a friend of the Bridegroom?” This question was asked by
an Usher as we entered a Wedding ceremony. I responded, “A friend of the Bride.” I did not know
the Bridegroom at all. I had never met him. Simply did not know him, nor would I even recognize
him. He was from a different part of the Country. But I did know the Bride and her family. I then
noticed that where the Usher directed us to sit was on the side where the Bride’s family was.
“Are you a friend of the Bride or a friend of the Bridegroom?” This question was asked
again a few years later at another Wedding. I paused and hesitated, not knowing how to respond.
As I knew the Bride and the Bridegroom about equally. Then the Usher hardly knew what to do
with me or where I belonged?! They sat me by the aisle in the center!
“Are you a friend of the Bride or a friend of the Bridegroom?” How would we respond if
this question were asked as we came to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb? I hope that I will be
able to answer immediately, “A friend of the Bridegroom, Jesus!”
As much as I know and love the
Bride, the Lord’s people, I want my foremost love and Friend to be Jesus!
Perhaps in our unique experience these days and weeks, God is desiring that we will become better acquainted with the Bridegroom of our soul, Jesus. That our focus would be more keenly upon Him. We will come to know and love Him more! As much as we love the Bride of Christ and want to be a part with her, we want the Lord Himself to be our Altogether Lovely One! Perhaps this is just a part of God preparing the Bride for the coming of His Well-Beloved Son?!
Matthew 25:1-13 - Could it be that the five foolish virgins were friends of the Bride, but not
really friends of the Bridegroom? Their focus hadn’t been on Him and His coming? As much as
we want to know and love the Bride, that simply is not enough. “Come, Lord Jesus, Come!”
Hymn: My Beloved
Tune: Just Where He Needs Me
#1. The Voice of my Beloved, has reached my inner ear,
Surpassing sweetest music, most wondrous sound to hear;
I rise and hasten to Him, He calls my name again,
Entreating me unto Him, Who is my dearest Friend !
Chorus:
Jesus, I cherish, today, eternally,
Jesus, I’ll cling to, forever His to be;
My life I give Him, His Love has made me whole, Jesus, Beloved, The Bridegroom of my soul !
#2. The Eyes of my Beloved, so tender, pure and clear,
Has ravished all my being, as doves eyes, so sincere;
His gaze is set upon me, and I am overcome,
I cannot now resist Him, enthralled, to Him I run!
#3. The Touch of my Beloved, it quickens all my soul,
By gentle strength surrounded, my joy is His control;
What comfort in His presence, what bliss in His embrace,
I’ve found in Him true refuge, the safest hiding place!
#4. The Heart of my Beloved, such boundless Charity,
Is filled to overflowing, and pouring forth to me;
Such peace, surpassing knowledge, I cannot comprehend,
Entwined with Him forever, in love that knows no end !!
an Usher as we entered a Wedding ceremony. I responded, “A friend of the Bride.” I did not know
the Bridegroom at all. I had never met him. Simply did not know him, nor would I even recognize
him. He was from a different part of the Country. But I did know the Bride and her family. I then
noticed that where the Usher directed us to sit was on the side where the Bride’s family was.
“Are you a friend of the Bride or a friend of the Bridegroom?” This question was asked
again a few years later at another Wedding. I paused and hesitated, not knowing how to respond.
As I knew the Bride and the Bridegroom about equally. Then the Usher hardly knew what to do
with me or where I belonged?! They sat me by the aisle in the center!
“Are you a friend of the Bride or a friend of the Bridegroom?” How would we respond if
this question were asked as we came to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb? I hope that I will be
able to answer immediately, “A friend of the Bridegroom, Jesus!”
As much as I know and love the
Bride, the Lord’s people, I want my foremost love and Friend to be Jesus!
Perhaps in our unique experience these days and weeks, God is desiring that we will become better acquainted with the Bridegroom of our soul, Jesus. That our focus would be more keenly upon Him. We will come to know and love Him more! As much as we love the Bride of Christ and want to be a part with her, we want the Lord Himself to be our Altogether Lovely One! Perhaps this is just a part of God preparing the Bride for the coming of His Well-Beloved Son?!
Matthew 25:1-13 - Could it be that the five foolish virgins were friends of the Bride, but not
really friends of the Bridegroom? Their focus hadn’t been on Him and His coming? As much as
we want to know and love the Bride, that simply is not enough. “Come, Lord Jesus, Come!”
Hymn: My Beloved
Tune: Just Where He Needs Me
#1. The Voice of my Beloved, has reached my inner ear,
Surpassing sweetest music, most wondrous sound to hear;
I rise and hasten to Him, He calls my name again,
Entreating me unto Him, Who is my dearest Friend !
Chorus:
Jesus, I cherish, today, eternally,
Jesus, I’ll cling to, forever His to be;
My life I give Him, His Love has made me whole, Jesus, Beloved, The Bridegroom of my soul !
#2. The Eyes of my Beloved, so tender, pure and clear,
Has ravished all my being, as doves eyes, so sincere;
His gaze is set upon me, and I am overcome,
I cannot now resist Him, enthralled, to Him I run!
#3. The Touch of my Beloved, it quickens all my soul,
By gentle strength surrounded, my joy is His control;
What comfort in His presence, what bliss in His embrace,
I’ve found in Him true refuge, the safest hiding place!
#4. The Heart of my Beloved, such boundless Charity,
Is filled to overflowing, and pouring forth to me;
Such peace, surpassing knowledge, I cannot comprehend,
Entwined with Him forever, in love that knows no end !!