HIS COMING WILL BE A GREAT CELEBRATION

For us who make up the bride, there must be no fear when He appears. “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:13).

Never forget that He will not surprise those who expect Him, who are “looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:12). Those who are looking and expecting His coming are “redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). They are not sitting in front of the TV, wrapped up in selfish dreams and foolish ambitions! They are busy adorning themselves as a bride-in-waiting, occupying until He comes. That day will not “overtake” those who are prepared. He will not come as a thief in the night to the expectant!

It will also be the Lord’s day of gladness because He is anxious to be with His bride: “I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me” (Song of Solomon 7:10). We forget about His excitement, His joy, His expectancy. Yes, He yearns for His bride! He rejoiced after the disciples returned from casting out devils (see Luke 10:17-22). He is man glorified, partaking of all our feelings, and full of joyful anticipation of having His bride, of claiming her, and of drawing her to Himself!

He has promised to show Himself to those looking for His coming. “Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). This time He does not come to atone for sin, but to reveal His glory to His bride. That manifestation has already begun as He is showing forth His power and glory to His holy remnant. They will be caught up in its magnetic pull. He is no trickster; rather, He is wooing, cleansing, calling, and drawing us closer.