The 4 P’s for men. The 4 R’s for women. Its Joyful Worshipers. Its Long-Awaited Arrival. Its Beautiful Bride. Its Blessed Participants. Its Anticipated Fulfillment.
Text: Revelation 19:6-10
Having witnessed a beautiful wedding yesterday, it is appropriate for us to consider the meaning of marriage in light of the larger purposes of God. Here is some key background information for us to consider:
Jewish Wedding Customs
From: Ralph Gower, The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times
(Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1987), 64-69.
A Bride is Chosen – arranged by the parents, or individually.
The Betrothal – a legal commitment is made with a pledge, witnesses, and a blessing yet, it is not fully consummated. The betrothal can be broken by either party if negative information comes to light.
An Interval of Time – the time between the betrothal and the consummation of the marriage gives the groom an opportunity to pay a dowry to the bride’s father and to prepare his own house. In the meantime, the bride readies herself to be joined in marriage to her future husband.
A Procession – the groom proceeds in his best attire and with his closest friends to the bride’s house where he receives her, and they then proceed together to his home (or his parent’s home) where the local Rabbi leads them in a formal exchange of vows, prayer, and a solemn blessing.
The Marriage Supper – following the vows the newly married couple and their guests enjoy an extended celebrative feast sometimes for seven days or more.
We currently live during “an interval of time” of unknown length. God is busily preparing his Church (the bride) to be married to Jesus Christ (the groom). It is a testimony of God’s sovereign plan, holiness, and grace.
[podcast]http://www.download.covenantfamilychurch.net/2009/mp3/2009_4_20_the_marriage_supper_of_the_lamb.mp3[/podcast]
Covenant Family Church is a conservative, Bible-believing, and elder-governed congregation located in Wentzville, MO which seeks to evangelize the lost and equip those who have been converted to walk worthy of their calling in Christ. 
The Orthodox Presbyterian Church continues to be vigorous in its defense and propagation of the historic Christian faith, particularly as it was articulated by the Protestant Reformers of the 16-17th centuries. 
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