The Two Feasts: Understanding Christ's Return and Our Response

When Jesus first entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the crowd erupted with shouts of "Hosanna!" believing their political savior had arrived. However, Jesus came not to overthrow earthly powers, but to be lifted up on the cross. This first coming was just the beginning tremors of something much greater to come, which is what we see in Revelation 19.

What Are the Two Feasts Described in Revelation 19?

Revelation 19 presents two distinct feasts that will occur at Christ's second coming:

• The Wedding Feast of the Lamb - A celebration between Christ and His bride (the Church)
• The Warrior's Great Judgment Supper - A feast of judgment for those who reject Christ

What is the Wedding Feast of the Lamb?

The Wedding Feast represents the ultimate union between Christ and His Church. Just as ancient Near Eastern marriages began with betrothal, Christ's first coming was His betrothal to the Church. He paid the dowry with His blood and promised to return after preparing a place for His bride.

The Church now lives in the "in-between time" - legally Christ's bride but awaiting the final celebration. When Christ returns, He will bring His bride into eternal glory and joy.

How Should We Prepare for the Wedding Feast?

The text emphasizes that the bride "has made herself ready" by being clothed in righteous deeds. This righteousness is granted by grace - we cannot earn it. However, we are called to:

• Keep our spiritual garments clean
• Walk worthy of our calling
• Actively wait through faithful living
• Share the gospel
• Serve others in need
• Put off worldly vices and put on godly virtues

What is the Warrior's Feast?

The second feast presents a stark contrast - Christ returns as a warrior king on a white horse to judge His enemies. Those who reject the Lamb's feast become feast themselves, consumed in judgment. This feast represents:

• Final victory over evil
• Perfect justice
• Christ's protection of His bride
• The ultimate defeat of those opposing God

Application

We must choose which feast we're preparing for - there is no middle ground. Consider:

• Have you trusted in Christ's finished work?
• Are you actively preparing yourself through righteous living?
• How do you speak about and treat Christ's bride, the Church?
• Are you living in light of Christ's return?

Challenge for this week: Examine one area where you need to "make yourself ready" for Christ's return. This could be in your personal holiness, your treatment of the Church, or your active service to others. Take specific steps to grow in this area, remembering that Christ empowers us through His Spirit to live righteously.

Questions to reflect on:

• Which feast am I truly preparing for through my daily choices?
• How can I better honor Christ's bride, the Church?
• What worldly attachments do I need to release to better prepare for Christ's return?