Mediator 1

Revelation 19:6-9

There is nothing quite like getting an invitation to a party in the mail. And one of the best invitations is an invitation to a wedding. You are being asked to take part in a holy ceremony, but also to take part in a joyous celebration, a party that recognizes the love that is being shared.

Love is a reason to celebrate. The uniting of two people in love is a reason to be joyful. The holy consecration of this relationship, recognition of this spiritual communion, is a cause for happiness.

In Revelation, as in other passages, our relationship to God is compared to a wedding. What is the atmosphere described in this passage? What is going on? How are the faithful dressed? What is the message from the angel?

It is true that weddings can be a time of tension and nervousness. Those involved have spent a great deal of time planning things and hope that all will go off without a problem. Others may be anxious because they need to wear the best of clothing, clothing that may seem a bit uncomfortable.

Yet, in spite of all the tension and worries, in spite of occasional discomfort, weddings are a time of joy and celebration. They are times of rejoicing, a time to be glad of the union of two people. The celebration is the recognition of the relationship.

We have the image of celebration presented in this passage. And what is the celebration? The celebration is the coming together of God with those who are faithful to him.

Like any other wedding, time has been invested in preparation. Those who are faithful have been called to prepare themselves to encounter that spiritual unity with the Lord. They have been given new linen, new souls, new hearts, cleaned of sin and fears.

Those who believe are being brought as a bride to Jesus, the Lamb of God. That is the reason for Jesus and his sacrifice, to bring us into his presence so that we might be part of this tremendous love relationship.

The images from Revelation are similar to our times of Holy Communion. We are invited by Jesus to come, purified and holy, into a time of reverent unity with our God. And we can only do that through the work, the love and sacrifice of Christ. Jesus has made the sacrifice that allows us to be in this relationship. And Jesus desires to be in this relationship with us.

Let us respond to the invitation of our Lord. Let us take time in communion with God celebrating the love we receive and the love we can return.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can we make Holy Communion a time of celebration?