The Bride of Christ

My wife, Gloria, and I came from Tamworth to Macquarie about 17 years ago.  We have had many challenges in our Christian walks but God is so faithful.  He has been with us and helped us through every difficulty. 

What a privilege it is to bring you this devotional today.  God has placed the verse Daniel 12:10 on my heart. 

Daniel 12:10,  Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked.  None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand. 

Daniel’s vision of the end times in church history indicates that many will be made pure and holy. 

Believers are the ‘Bride of Christ’ and we need to make ourselves ready for the return of Jesus.  Prophetically, Psalm 24 highlights the need for clean hands and a pure heart.   

Sadly, many will fall away from their faith in end times (Matt 24:10), but many will be purified. The righteous will continue to practice righteousness, and the holy will continue to be holy (Revelation 22:11).  Some of the wise may fall but they will be refined, purified, and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time (Daniel 11:35). 

For believers, spiritual preparation cannot be bought or borrowed at the last minute.  The parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25 could indicate that 50% of the church will not be ready for the return of Jesus. 

So how does the Bride prepare?  By having an intimate relationship with Jesus and being obedient to His Word; by allowing Holy Spirit to transform us into a worthy Bride.   

The words of Jesus in Matthew 22:37 (TPT) help us: “Jesus answered him, ‘Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you.’ “

The wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever (Dan 12:3). 

Never forget all that Jesus went through to make us His bride.  Jesus died for us so that we could move from darkness into His glorious light (1Peter 2:9).  Jesus wants to transform us into His beautiful bride. 

- Graeme Taylor

Reflection: How are we being prepared as the Bride of Christ? 

Together Prayer: NSW Elections