Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
Christ will return at the time appointed by the Father. But what is that "time"? Has the Father pre-determined a "time" that no one else knows, not the angels nor even Jesus (see Mark 13:32)? Or is "the appointed time" the ripening of the grain "for the harvest," as we read in Mark 4:26-29 and Revelation 14:14, 15?
That's an important question! There are several reasons why: (1) the Lord wants His people to "grow up" to the point that they can share with Him executive authority in bringing to a triumphant close this "great controversy between Christ and Satan" (see Rev. 3:20, 21); (2) the "marriage of the Lamb" is that great triumphant close; but it can take place only when "His wife hath made herself ready" (19:6-8). The secret reason why Satan wants to keep all of us engrossed in worldly matters or even conflicts and strife within the church is that he wants to prevent that "harvest" from ripening, and wants to allure the Bride-to-be into infidelity.
We've heard the story of a wealthy bride who spent a lavish sum on her wedding preparations and catering, only to wait for hours at the church for an absent bridegroom, until the best man showed up and announced that he had backed out. With wit and a little devilish glee, the bride announced that the party was still on, and invited the media to tell the story.
Now, what will happen if the Bride in our Bible story never "grows up," never "makes herself ready"? Will "the marriage of the Lamb" still take place? It's time for some serious thinking! Our old egocentric motivations are as badly out of date as an oxcart. It's time we begin to sense a concern for the Bridegroom--who's still embarrassed, waiting for the absent Bride to "make herself ready."
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: December 29, 1997.Copyright © 2011 by Robert J. Wieland.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
------------------------------
Please forward these messages to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. The "Dial Daily Bread" Web site resides at: http://1888message.org/
To subscribe send an e-mail message with "subscribe" in the body of the message to: dailybread@1888message.org
------------------------------
Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" messages are availalbe via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.
Christ will return at the time appointed by the Father. But what is that "time"? Has the Father pre-determined a "time" that no one else knows, not the angels nor even Jesus (see Mark 13:32)? Or is "the appointed time" the ripening of the grain "for the harvest," as we read in Mark 4:26-29 and Revelation 14:14, 15?
That's an important question! There are several reasons why: (1) the Lord wants His people to "grow up" to the point that they can share with Him executive authority in bringing to a triumphant close this "great controversy between Christ and Satan" (see Rev. 3:20, 21); (2) the "marriage of the Lamb" is that great triumphant close; but it can take place only when "His wife hath made herself ready" (19:6-8). The secret reason why Satan wants to keep all of us engrossed in worldly matters or even conflicts and strife within the church is that he wants to prevent that "harvest" from ripening, and wants to allure the Bride-to-be into infidelity.
We've heard the story of a wealthy bride who spent a lavish sum on her wedding preparations and catering, only to wait for hours at the church for an absent bridegroom, until the best man showed up and announced that he had backed out. With wit and a little devilish glee, the bride announced that the party was still on, and invited the media to tell the story.
Now, what will happen if the Bride in our Bible story never "grows up," never "makes herself ready"? Will "the marriage of the Lamb" still take place? It's time for some serious thinking! Our old egocentric motivations are as badly out of date as an oxcart. It's time we begin to sense a concern for the Bridegroom--who's still embarrassed, waiting for the absent Bride to "make herself ready."
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: December 29, 1997.Copyright © 2011 by Robert J. Wieland.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
------------------------------
Please forward these messages to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. The "Dial Daily Bread" Web site resides at: http://1888message.org/
To subscribe send an e-mail message with "subscribe" in the body of the message to: dailybread@1888message.org
------------------------------
Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" messages are availalbe via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.
