TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and the bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.) Revelation 19:7-8
Read: Revelation 19:7–8
Listen: Revelation 19
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Pastor Aaron Buer shared this weekend one of his favorite memories—when he first saw his wife on their wedding day. It was a special moment, but one that was months in the making. His wife, Katie, had picked just the right dress months before, got it altered to fit, did her hair, nails and make-up all to make that moment something memorable.
In Revelation, the author talks about a coming wedding ceremony between Jesus and his bride, the church. Like many brides, the church will make itself ready and beautiful. What’s unique is that the church does this through righteous acts that are honoring to God. Watch this video clip as Pastor Aaron talks about how a life lived to honor God makes the bride of Christ beautiful.
There may be some of us who don’t feel like a beautiful bride. We have regrets from the past or struggles. But there is hope. Today’s verses share that the bride’s clothes were given to her by Jesus. He made her beautiful. And the same is true of us. Jesus already made us and his church beautiful through his death on our behalf. This isn’t because of how amazing we are but because of what he has done on our behalf. Ultimately, it’s Jesus who makes us beautiful and we pursue the beauty of righteous living out of gratitude for all he has done.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
What areas in your life do you need to grow to be more like Jesus? Journal about any area of sin you need to address, area of growth to reflect the character of Jesus better or something else. Ask God to work through his Spirit to empower you to move in that area starting today.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
JAMES 1:19–20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
