As we head into 2023 and the last week of Advent, we look toward Epiphany (January 6), preparing for the Lord’s Return. Here is a devotion that reminds us of what we have to look forward to:

IN WORD “A bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” Is there any more emotionally satisfying picture than that? The gorgeous bride, dressed in splendor, radiantly smiling. The beaming groom, thrilled beyond description, his heart nearly leaping out of his chest with delight. It’s a very human picture with very divine overtones; and it’s the final and most graphic picture the Bible gives us of the consummation of redemption.
When the battle is done, the wedding will overwhelm us all. It’s okay to look forward to that day. God does. Theologically, we have a hard time with the idea that He is greatly anticipating the fulfillment of His desires. That just sounds too human. If He told us personally of His expectancy, many of us would counsel Him to find contentment first and not stake His emotions on an event, as though that event would actually satisfy Him. After all, that’s what we tell each other: “Your contentment should be in God alone, not the plans He has for your life.” But God has quite a few plans of His own, and He never portrays Himself as subdued about their fulfillment. Neither does He urge us to be subdued about our excitement. This event should be highly anticipated.
The issues of life—yesterday’s regrets, today’s difficulties, tomorrow’s fears—become much more tolerable when we understand the excited anticipation of God. When we really get a glimpse of His heart and how it beats with joy for His bride, ours starts to beat in the same rhythm. And the rest of life falls under the spell of hopeful anticipation.
IN DEED Is that where your heart lives—in a state of hopeful anticipation? Are the turbulent issues of life subdued under the excitement of the coming wedding day? One of the greatest offerings you can present to your Suitor is a heart that beats with His. If yours doesn’t, ask Him to fill you with His desires. If it does, it’s time to get dressed for the wedding. “With God, the honeymoon never ends.” —John Piper (in “God with Us” by Chris Tiegreen)

2023 looks to be filled with uncertainty, whether it be the Russo-Ukrainian war, the impact of global warming, or other things we cannot predict. But in the coming of Christ, we can be certain that God is in full control and unveiling His plan day by day. If so, whether it be the course of human events or the life of every one of His children, we can be assured that all things will work out for good.
If you need to be reminded of how to live in the “already and not yet” period of human history, take time to read 1 and 2 Thessalonians this week. Let the Holy Spirit help set your attitude and perspective to live with confidence in the face of uncertain times. Happy New Year and a blessed 2023! - from Singapore, Pastor Sam