The three stages of the ancient Hebrew wedding hold theological significance for Christians today. They give us a picture of what the bride of Christ, the Church, should do while waiting for Christ to return.
Three stages:
- Betrothal Stage – A signed document, called the Ketubah, legally bound and betrothed the couple in marriage. The couple was now legally married, they just weren’t allowed to consummate the marriage yet.
- Consummation Stage – The bridegroom would return to his father’s house to prepare a bridal chamber, and after weeks or months, he would return to carry his bride back to his father’s house to consummate the marriage.
- Celebration Stage – After consummating their marriage, a seven-day wedding feast would begin for celebration. On the fourth day, a song like the Song of Solomon was often performed to celebrate the couple’s love and marriage.
All three stages picture some aspect of our relationship with Christ as His bride! As the bride of Christ, we are currently in the betrothal stage of being wed to Christ.
As Christians, what do we do while waiting for the return of the Bridegroom? We must keep our hearts solely for Him and not for sin. The Bridegroom calls us to repent and prepare to see Him!
Every single time we sin, we are cheating on God. Jesus doesn’t want you to share your affection with another. As our Bridegroom, Jesus has a right to think the our hearts are solely for Him. What are you giving your heart to?
Join Pastor Phil Hopper and learn what the Song of Solomon teaches us about how the bride of Christ should prepare for His return.