Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, "Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb." (Revelation 21:9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. To the world and our faithless eyes, the Church often looks like a hot mess. From our view She is not much of a Bride, but more like a schizophrenic bag lady on a city street. But that is not how God sees His Bride, the Church. She is spotless and radiant, having been washed by water with the Word (Ephesians 5:26). That's the view that John received in the Revelation and that he shares with us. The Bride, the Lamb, the new Jerusalem, are all revealed together as one glorious reality. 

The wondrous news is that the vision also describes our future. The Lamb is Jesus who was slain for our sins and the sins of all the world. The new Jerusalem is our eternal dwelling place. But how can we be sure of all this? Because God says so. You can count on His Word. Earlier in the vision, John heard these words: "'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also, he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.' And he said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment'" (Revelation 21:5-6). It's all a gift, God's free gift to you. 

You are a member of the Bride of Christ. You have been washed clean by the water and the Word. Are you thirsty? Drink up. Drink from the spring of life-giving water that He offers you free of charge. Come to the Supper of the Lamb and feast on Christ's own Body given and Blood shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. The world may continue to mock the Bride, but we rejoice in Her and give thanks that God, in Christ, has counted us worthy to be one with Her. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O Bride of Christ, rejoice; Exultant raise your voice To hail the day of glory Foretold in sacred story. Hosanna, praise and glory! Our King, we bow before thee. ("O Bride of Christ, Rejoice" LSB 335, st.1)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch