A Kingdom Proclamation

Imagine the whole of Scripture as a 780,000 word grand marriage proposal, complete with the details of the wedding, the groom's character, and the background of his family (historical lineage and seeming 'across the ocean' distance). This proposal gives accounts of why he is good, why you have hope with him, and what he wants you to do during the betrothal period.

He lets you know of the feud taking place that is causing tension in the land and will reach its climax right before the ceremony. He explains that there will be a grand conflict between the groom's side of the wedding party and those principalities who oppose his family, partly because of the land deal involved, and partly because they reject the rule and authority of the groom's royal family.

Other principalities will try to talk you out of it, attempt to slander you, and sometimes persecute you. Later attempts may be made to cloud your perception of your value to the groom and his family, often suggesting he could not really love you. But the groom is patient, forgiving mistake after mistake, even though you may still have an occasional moment of doubt, anxiousness, or anxiety continuing up to the wedding day. However, he will persistently comfort and reassure you – even offer you rest in the interim.

Meanwhile, if you accept his grand proposal, he will give you a task in preparation for the upcoming wedding feast. Like a bride-to-be, your role will be to proclaim the good news of your beloved’s first coming and his coronation as king which will take place upon his second coming. You would also share with others about the goodness of your new family and frequently welcome others to join your family, even as you commune with your beloved while you await your anticipated marriage ceremony. These are no small tasks, so the groom has sent you one of his closest companions to serve as your counselor and to console you as you persevere until the groom himself can be with you.