Paul Luckraft reviews 'Ready or Not – He is Coming' by Stephanie Cottam (2012, GlorytoGlory Publications)

This book is a wonderful example of how exploring Jewish culture can enlighten and inform our understanding of the scriptures. In this case, a fresh perception of the promises concerning the Lord's return to marry his bride is found within the traditions and principles of a Jewish wedding as performed in Jesus' own day.

The Tasks of Bride, Groom and Father

The author starts by explaining that every Jewish marriage consisted of two stages: the betrothal (kiddushin) and the consummation (nisu'in). And, crucially, these were at least a year apart. The formalities of the initial betrothal included the marriage contract or covenant (ketubah) and the paying of the bride-price (mohar). From this point the guarantee of a marriage was in place and the bride's future decided. But meanwhile it was important that in the intervening period of separation she prepared herself for the new and very different life that awaited her. Would she indeed be ready for the day when he would return to take her to himself?

Jesus was using wedding language when explaining what his 'going away' would be like.

Meanwhile, the groom-to-be had an equally important task, to return to his father's house to prepare a room where they could one day complete and consummate the marriage and then start their life together. The parallels at this point between the teaching of Jesus and these traditions are highly illuminating. Jesus was clearly using wedding language when explaining to his disciples what his 'going away' would be like.

Finally, when all was ready and the time was right, the father would send the groom to collect his bride, and the wedding procession could begin. Once more, the details of Jewish custom remind us of some of the parables of Jesus, and indeed what we can expect on his return.

Lively and Engaging Style

There is often much confusion and controversy surrounding the return of Jesus but it is perhaps most helpful simply to see it in terms of him collecting his bride and completing the covenant in which he has already paid the price to secure our eternal future with him. The book is written in a lively and engaging style that is easy to follow, and the author's enthusiasm shines through every page, often through examples and illustrations from her own personal experiences.

Cottam challenges us to recognise that our life is a preparation for the marriage supper of the Lamb.

There is much here that will delight and encourage us purely from the point of view of biblical study, but above all this book will challenge us to recognise that our life now is intended to be a preparation for the marriage supper of the Lamb.

We should evaluate our desire and commitment to be ready for his return in terms of how much we realise that we are in a period of betrothal. If we can fully grasp what it means to be promised to Christ (2 Cor 11:2) then our own wait for the heavenly bridegroom will be one of joyful anticipation, and our lives now will be transformed for his glory and our eternal happiness.

'Ready or Not – He is Coming' (140 pages) is available from Glory to Glory Publications for £8.99 + P&P. There is also some accompanying Bible study material available for download on this page for free.