A Wedding Celebration

My family is celebrating today. Celebrating the marriage of my oldest nephew Brandon to his lovely Heidi. By the end of today, they will be united. They will be Mr. and Mrs. They will be a wedded couple.

Congratulations Brandon and Heidi! May God bless your marriage abundantly!

I am reminded of several wedding feasts in Scripture. The wedding feast of Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle (John 2:1-11). Jesus taught through a parable about a wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-14). Another parable of a wedding situation can be found in the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). And don’t forget the first marriage ceremony in Scripture performed by God (Genesis 2:21-25).

But the greatest wedding celebration is between the Bridegroom (Jesus) and His Bride (the Church). We see glimpses of this glorious relationship throughout Scripture and how precious it is in God’s sight.

In a section of Scripture regarding marriage, Paul shares this thought with the Ephesian Church.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” (Ephesians 5:25-27 – NIV)

Jesus mentioned this relationship in Matthew 9:15 (NIV) when He said, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.” Jesus knew the time would come when He would no longer be among the people. Longing for the bridegroom would occur then.

And once again in Revelation 19:7-9 there is reference to the Bridegroom. I love the words in verse 9 (NIV). “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” We are all invited, but we must accept the invitation to join the wedding celebration at the wedding supper.

Have you accepted your invitation? Your RSVP is eagerly awaited.

In this world of disposable marriages, I am thankful that my Bridegroom is not willing to toss me out because of the sin in my life. That my rebellion is not grounds for “irreconcilable differences.” Jesus loves me and although I miss the mark, He continues to cover me with His grace through it.

Yes, today is a time of celebration. For a new marriage and for a rekindling of an old relationship. A time to remember my precious relationship with Jesus. A time to celebrate the wonder of it all.  How are you celebrating today?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna