Isaiah 61:10
“I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
When our eldest daughter was preparing to get married I got suckered into watching two programs—“Say ‘Yes’ to the Dress” and “Bridezilla”— which show the worst side of brides as they prepare for their big day: shopping for a dress, a wedding cake, flowers and a reception venue. One thing that struck me is that the brides look pretty ordinary—even frumpy—until the big event approaches. When the day arrives, extra pounds have melted off, hair has been coiffed, nails perfectly manicured, the princess gown has been zipped, and the bride makes her way to the long-anticipated ceremony, ready to walk down the aisle to say, “I do.” Miraculously, as if a fairy godmother has waved a magic wand, the bride looks completely different from the way she looked weeks before. No wonder the groom has a look of complete shock at her entrance!
In a sense, some of you are like the “bride-to-be.” You’ve been through the dating process, getting to know who Jesus is, what He’s like, talking with Him, spending time with His family, enjoying His company. Then you’ve come to a place where love has blossomed, and it’s time to consider making a commitment. Lots of thought has gone into taking this big step but the day of “pledging your life”—declaring your belief in Jesus—is a different matter. You are still getting ready, maybe even trying to get “prettied up,” more presentable, in your princess dress, before you are ready to say, “I do.”
Until you say those words, “I do” or “I believe,” a fully devoted relationship with Jesus will evade you. You won’t have His name, eternal security or all the other benefits and privileges that go along with being His. You can’t start the journey with Him. You must say, “I do, I believe!” When you do, He will clothe you in a “robe of righteousness.” He will cleanse you completely, without any stain, no disgrace, no defect, no guilt or impurity will remain. And when Christ comes again, He will see only a perfect bride; white, pure and beautiful. He will say, “Isn’t she magnificent! This is my beloved bride!”
Won’t you say “I do” today? He is ready to bestow upon you the promise of eternal life and all the spiritual blessings that are His to give. And you know what? It’s all FREE, by His grace! You don’t have to get a make-over, buy a princess dress or rent a hall. He says “come,” just as you are!
Father in heaven, we praise You that Your gift of eternal life, through Your Son, Jesus, is free! That there is not one thing we can do to make ourselves more acceptable to You. We already are. All we have to do is take that step to receive it by believing in Jesus. Thank You, Lord, for all the promises waiting for us once we say “I DO!” In Your name we pray. Amen.
