Coming Up From the Wilderness

There is a sacred moment at every wedding when anticipation builds and whispers circulate. The beauty of the Bride and the elegance of her dress captures the imagination of waiting guests, until the announcement is made, and guesses are replaced with gasps and gazing, as the Bride glides down the aisle. How beautiful she seems in that moment, in splendid array prepared for the one she loves. Yet the beauty of the bride is not hers alone but keenly bestowed to her waiting groom—a symbol of her love and honour.

It is no coincidence that the first miracle of Jesus took place at a wedding. John tells us this was the “beginning of signs” through which His glory shone. Yet this first unveiling pointed toward a far greater revelation still to come. Though the Lord’s glory was present during His earthly ministry, much remained veiled, awaiting the appointed hour when He would finally be openly revealed before all creation. But there is more to this mystery. Paul writes to the Colossians “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory”. Just as the glory of Christ is presently hidden from the world, so too His Bride is also concealed. The wilderness journey of hiddenness and contemplative ascent is therefore not a compromise or missional failure, but a necessary preparation for union. In these secret pathways of the wilderness, love is purified from manifestations, outward assurances and visible glory. The Bride’s adorning fragrance is blended through fidelity in the night watch as she ventures an unfamiliar trail.

If “the woman is the glory of the man”, what a profound mystery this becomes in the light of Christ and His Bride. The final manifestation of the Lord’s glory shall be seen in the unveiling of the Bride who has been secretly formed in union with Him. The world longs for demonstrations of power and visible grandeur, yet Heaven prepares for a wedding.

Song of Songs presents the final image of this mystery fulfilled: “Who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?” (SOS 8:5). What a beautiful picture this is for us. The Bride will emerge from the wilderness wholly resting upon the One she loves. At the right time, Heaven’s time, hiddenness will give way to unveiling, and longing to consummation. Beloved, the best wine has truly been reserved until last. The day is coming when the veil shall be fully removed, and the hidden Bride shall appear together with her Bridegroom in glory. What a day that shall be, Heaven is prepared, may we be ready too.