We can learn from the wedding traditions of the Hebrews.
Are we not the bride of Christ?
ANCIENT JEWISH WEDDING PRACTICE: PREPARING A PLACE
During the betrothal period, the bridegroom would prepare a wedding
chamber for the honeymoon. This chamber was typically built in the
bridegroom's father's house. The wedding chamber had to be a beautiful
place to bring the bride. The bride and groom were to spend seven days
there. The wedding chamber had to be built to the groom's father's
specifications.
The young man could go for his bride only when his
father approved. If the bridegroom was asked when the wedding was to be,
he might well say "it is not for me to know,
only my father knows".
JESUS' FULFILLMENT: PREPARING A PLACE
Just as a bridegroom would have told his bride that he would go to
prepare a place for her, so Jesus told His disciples: "...In my Father's
house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am
going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place
for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may
be where I am. --
John 13:1-3.
In ancient Israel the bridegroom could get his bride only after his
father approved. Similarly, Jesus said: "No one knows about that day or
hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Be on guard! Be alert ! You do not know when that time will come --