“The RoseBouquet”

ohn the Baptist taught repentance for sins to get ready for the Saviour. So his disciples were getting used to mourning for what sinners they were, and telling God about this honestly. Fasting must have been a natural expression of this awareness of their sin.

Jesus was going about healing the sick, and giving away His joy and peace. He was teaching the masses how to be blessed, and miraculously feeding large crowds on small lunches.

John’s disciples noticed this contrast. They asked Jesus, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?”

Jesus’ answer reveals some things never heard of before that time. He answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.”

Jesus compared Himself to a bridegroom, and indicated that He would leave for a time, during which His followers would certainly fast and mourn. From other passages in the New Testament, we know that all those who have trusted Christ as Saviour are referred to as the Bride of Christ, and that He is coming back to take His Bride to His Father’s home for a great wedding feast.

At the time of this incident no one had heard of the Church yet. But they did understand the Jewish custom that a bridegroom would come to negotiate a contract with his Bride’s family, then go back to his father’s home to prepare a place for her. He would return suddenly and unannounced for his bride, but by that time they were all to be ready to follow him, even if at night, if they wanted to be part of the wedding feast - which generally lasted seven days.

PRAYER: Yes, Lord. Right now we long and mourn for Your presence, (and at times for our sin), but oh-oh-h are we going to celebrate with You when we get to that wedding feast! Hallelujah! I look forward to that!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Ruthe is afraid to tell her family back home for reasons of her own, and this leads her to live a double life. The pressures build. Sooner or later she has to take some of the advice she gives others, for she’s getting into serious trouble! Ruthe’s Secret Roses.