7.8.06

The Mystery of Marriage

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:31-32)

It was my pleasure to attend a great wedding service over the weekend. It was not great because of its size or expense, but because the two people getting married had an obvious, radiant love both for each other and for the Lord. The sense of God's presence during the service was evident, and there was a great assembly of men and women of God as witnesses giving their support to the couple, their worship to the Lord, and their "Amen" to the covenant sealed.

As I looked on at the bride and groom, I was reminded of Paul's words in Ephesians, of how everything about marriage is a reflection of Christ and the church. I saw the love in the groom's eye towards his bride, the presentation of the pure bride, beautiful in white spotless garments, and had a renewed surge of praise towards God for his eternal purpose in Christ for the world through the church.

All the months of preparation culminated in this one day, where all the labours were rewarded, where all the servants who attend the groom and the bride, share in the joy. Just so all who minister in the church, do so not for any glory for themselves, but looking forward to that great day when the bride will be presented to the bridegroom.

A timely reminder of the mystery of marriage in my own life too. Today is our seventh wedding anniversary.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Aniversary to You and Jacqueline for yesterday Chris.

Love K,Y&C
xxx

Marcos said...

Praise The Lord for both of you. Happy Aniversary!!!!