Proper 17 (NTA)

Revelation 19:6-10

⁶ Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, 

“Hallelujah! 

For the Lord our God 

the Almighty reigns. 

⁷  Let us rejoice and exult 

and give him the glory, 

for the marriage of the Lamb has come, 

and his Bride has made herself ready; 

⁸  it was granted her to clothe herself 

with fine linen, bright and pure”— 

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 

⁹ And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” ¹⁰ Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 

These are the ones who have been clothed like Joshua. They have had their filthy garments removed and been clothed with fine linen. The multitude sings to the Lord in celebration because the wedding has finally come. This is the celebration of the Day of the Lord and Christ's return and the resurrection of the Body on the Last Day. It is then when all people will fall to their knees and worship God. But only the Holy Bride will enter into eternal life.

The song can strike fear into our heart. "For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure" This is just another time when it is so important not to read one verse at a time.

How does the Bride make herself ready? Obviously, this points to the need for all people to do good works. All God's people must lead a holy life. They need to obey the Word of God. They need to welcome their Savior Jesus Christ. They need to repent of their sins.

But the truth comes in, "it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure." It is not her works that create the perfect garment. It is not even she who reaches out and puts it on. But it is God who puts the Armor on his Children. It is God who has his people clothed in fine linen. It is God who claims you to be his very own.