Tonight Jay had the privilege of marrying a young couple from our church. As I looked around at all those witnessing this special event and listened to the words Jay was saying, I was reminded once again about the amazing design of marriage. What a beautiful God to create a man and woman to be one flesh for life on this earth. How humbling that He uses this bond to further our sanctification and pursuit of Christ. Often, I think of the message of a wedding as only being directed toward the bride and groom, but tonight I tried to listen with a heart that is so thankful for my own marriage and with a desire to walk closer to God by walking closer with Jay. The world would not enjoy the message that Jay shares with young couples on this special day; they would rally against the idea of submission and sacrifice. It would be offensive to suggest the laying down of one's life daily in order to honor your spouse. It would be pitiable to them to lose one's identity and "self-worth" within the "restraints" of marriage. But for those of us who know the grace of our Savior, the design of marriage is meant for our good and His glory. It is an area that the enemy assails and one that our flesh wages war against, but it is also where, in humble obedience, the face of Christ is seen. The design of marriage is for our good as we rely upon the Spirit to bring about the honor, obedience, submission and respect that unite us under His blood. It is His grace that is seen as the days turn to months turn to years still by the side of the one committed to so long ago. It is His joy that is manifested in those looks that know so well, and His strength that carries us through those times that hurt our hearts. The fact that I am still bound to the one He brought me nearly 18 years ago is a testimony of His grace overflowing. I am so thankful that He has used my marriage to bring us both to a deeper understanding of His love for us and has lead us to a greater dependence upon His design for our lives.
And in the spirit of my week of sharing the service of the body. I also saw several women tonight serving this beautiful bride by decorating, cleaning, and taking care of those little details that occur for us to enjoy such a blessed day. I also arrived home after a day of running around, exhausted and still sick to a loaf of fresh-baked, delicious bread from my dear friend Sarah. I know it wasn't an easy recipe (although she makes all things in the kitchen look easy) and it was a gracious gift to share with me. It was the perfect ending to a beautiful day of renewed awareness of the necessity of reliance upon my Creator in all things from marriages to daily bread!
No comments:
Post a Comment