Thirteen years ago was one of the most exciting times of my life. I had just moved to Florida and was working in ministry as a student pastor, fulfilling one of my heart’s greatest desires. But the best was yet to come. I had been on my knees every day, praying day and night, for 10 years, for a wife. I was begging the LORD, through many tears, to bring into my life a woman who loved me, who I could partner with in ministry, and with whom I could start a family. In one month, these prayers would be answered on my wedding day when I married Camilla.
There’s something incredibly special, yet even a bit traumatic, about that waiting period between the proposal and the wedding day. There’s all the stress of preparation, the wonder of whether it’s real or a dream, and the countdown of anticipation until two become one. Two who had been living separate lives will be joined, spiritually, as one flesh. And then there’s the adventure of doing life together from that day forward.
The countdown to that day is something special. Every day it seemed a new piece to the puzzle would fall into place and would bring us one step closer. The dress was bought, the venue booked, the invitations sent, the RSVPs received. The groomsmen and bridesmaids were chosen, the officiant agreed upon, and honeymoon plans were made. All the while, the anticipation built as we neared this life-changing day of joy. For me, the closer we got, the slower time seemed to move. One month became three weeks, then six days, and finally 24 hours. The wedding day couldn’t come quickly enough.
But it finally came. It was a wonderful, God honoring day of celebration, uniting Camilla and I as husband and wife. Our families were there, along with friends I hadn’t seen in years. I selected my groomsmen from my best friends throughout different stages of my life. It felt like my whole life had led up to this one moment. Many men cry when they see their bride walk down the aisle, beautifully dressed in white. Silent tears fell down my face as I watched Camilla—God’s gift to me—walk down the aisle at First Baptist Church of Dallas. We were united as one. Then came the pictures, the celebrations, the dancing, and the joy. It’s a day I’ll always remember with happiness and gratitude.
Can you relate? Some of you may be planning a wedding right now. Others might have had their special day decades ago. Maybe that day is bittersweet because the marriage ended—through death or divorce. Perhaps you’re still waiting and hoping for your wedding day to come.
No matter who you are or whether you’ve experienced the joys and sorrows of marriage- there is a wedding coming soon- a wedding for the ages- that you wouldn’t want to miss for the world. Literally. There is not one thing this earth could offer – no amount of riches, power, fame, or comfort- that could come close to this glorious moment that we see in Revelation 19. We’ll be examining the question of How we can prepare today for the 2nd coming of Christ
This is truly a wedding for the ages, or better yet, the wedding of the ages. Revelation 19 opens with a chorus of praise and continues with Christ’s triumphant return as conquering King, vanquishing all the enemies of God at Armageddon. There’s so much to unpack here—so many mysteries revealed. You and I must be prepared, and preparing, for this Great Day.
-Pastor Nathan Rice