The Glory of Christ’s Bride
Scripture Reading: Revelation 21:9–11
“And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife . And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.”
The Glory of Christ’s Bride
Father, restore to us our first love. Lord, you remember when we loved you with total commitment, when we loved you like children. Restore to us our childhood in you.
The Lord is looking for His Bride. He confirmed it in John 17 by praying for her. A bride is a woman who is ready for the commitment of marriage and has found her groom, made an appointment, and determined a location where together they will formally declare wedding vows. May God find her in you.
Jesus lists His credentials as the Bridegroom in Revelation 1. In essence He is saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the one who began your life and the one who will finish your life.” Jesus has the script for your life; so do not fear. Jesus the Bridegroom will present Himself at this appointment with His Bride. But the focus today is on us, the Bride.
The verses above describe the glory of the bride. Essentially, the glory of God is the glory of His Bride. Are you walking in a manner worthy to receive such glory? The answer to this lies in your industry and ministry as a bride of Christ. There are three questions you must ask yourself:
Are you for sale? Can you be bought?
Can Jesus the Bridegroom safely trust you? (If God gives you gold to deliver to John, will it be silver before it gets to John or will it still be gold?)
What is your net worth, spiritually, socially, and financially, to the Bridegroom?
Spiritual Net Worth
In the business world, net worth refers to the net profit after expenses are paid. Net worth can be either negative or positive. Your spiritual net worth is a measure of your ability to be in the chambers with Jesus, to refresh and encourage Him. It is your intimacy with Jesus.
Social Net Worth
Your social net worth refers to how you are perceived by others. When you are the Bride of Christ, your behavior matters even if you are not aware of it. You may not mean harm but the enemy holds a meeting with Christ and says, “You know I saw your wife the other day and she looked like my wife.” Beloved, our actions, dress and comportment matter. I pray that the devil will not visit Jesus to accuse us before Him.
Financial Net Worth
God is not asking you to be a millionaire or a billionaire. He asks only that you unwrap the gifts inside of you. Use your gifts: work so that you can obediently bring Jesus the fruit of your labour in tithes and offerings to help fund His work in your generation.
Prayer Points:
If you have not been born again, you cannot become a bride of Christ or even radiate His glory. So pray with me now, “Lord Jesus, I accept you as my personal Lord and Saviour. I confess and forsake my sins. Cleanse me from my sins with your blood and write my name in the book of life. Give me the grace to become your bride.”
Father God, may your children be incited, not excited, by your teaching. May we manifest your glory as the Bride of Christ. Give us the grace to have a positive net worth in all areas in Jesus’ name. Amen.
