Topic: His Spotless Bride [Saturday May 21, 2016]
Text: Revelation 14:1-13
Key Verse: “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb” (Revelation 14:4).
Some theological students were walking along a street in the White Chapel district of London, a section where old and used clothing is sold. “What a fitting illustration all these make!”, exclaimed one of the students as he pointed to a suit of clothes hanging on a rack by a window. A sign on it read: SLIGHTLY SOILED – GREATLY REDUCED IN PRICE.
He continued, “We get soiled by gazing at a vulgar picture, reading a course book, or allowing ourselves a little indulgence in dishonest or lustful thoughts; and so when the time comes for our character to be appraised, we are greatly reduced in value. Our purity, our strength is gone. We are just part and parcel of the general, shopworn stock of the world. ” The chapter opens with a specific group of people (one hundred and forty-four thousand in number) which maintain a special relationship with Jesus. They are standing with Jesus on Mount Zion, being now triumphant with the Lamb. Instead of the mark of the beast on their foreheads or their hands, these people bear the name of the Lamb and of the Father on their foreheads. They follow Jesus every step of the way and are transformed through God’s grace. While the saints were being kept in God’s presence, the inhabitants of the earth are warned through angelic ministry to reject both the mark and the worship of the beast and avoid the consequences.
Christ’s faithful followers keep away from anything that defiles and are loyal to Him exclusively, as His pure bride. The purity of the church is what distinguishes and sets her apart as Christ’s bride. When Jesus shall come to take away His people, He shall be coming for His pure bride, without spot or wrinkle.
Thought for the day: No bride turns up on a wedding day with a soiled garment.
Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Samuel 3-5
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
