Christ's betrothal

 ¹Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.²In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. ⁴And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. -- John 14:1-4
 
We know that the church is called the "Bride of Christ" in the Bible. We who belong to Christ look forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb described in Revelation 19:9. But did you know Christ betrothed Himself to His bride? It occurs in this passage above.
 
We need a little help understanding the customs of Israel at the time. Back in the ancient Near East, the father would choose his son's bride, and there would be a ceremony whereby the couple was betrothed. They were committed to each other, but they were not married. (Note by way of reference in John 17:6 that Jesus confesses the Father "gave him" the disciples, and by extension the church that would spring from their testimony of Christ, v. 20 of the same chapter, to see the parallel of the Father's choice of the bride.)
 
After the betrothal, the bridegroom would return to his father's house and create an addition to his father's house for his bride. When he had the place prepared, he would come to claim his bride, and it would be a joyous occasion.
 
Look at our verses again with that picture in your mind. Where was Jesus going? He was going to His Father's house. For what purpose? To prepare a place for His bride. Notice, also, that His path to preparation went through the cross. The only way we can have a place in the Father's house is if the debt of our sin is paid. Indeed, our Saviour paid a great price to ransom His bride.
 
Is there room in the Father's house for the bride? Jesus said there were "many mansions." Even as a bridegroom would add a place into the house of his father, so Christ has put "many mansions" in the house of His Father. There is room, room for a glorious bride indeed!
 
It is at this time of the year we celebrate His sacrifice for us. It is proper for us to consider this question: Are we betrothed to the King? If you are not, please consider that there are many places left. The gate is not shut. Run to Him to seek His mercy! Then you will be ready to rejoice when He returns to claim His bride.