Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- April 19, 2010
A Worshipful Wedding… “On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding”. John 2:1-2
What does it mean to have a worshipful wedding? For the follower of Jesus it means that He is invited to the wedding. Not only is He invited, but also He is preeminent. Yes, the bride is the focus, however, faith in her Lord is more the focus. It is her day, but it is in honor of the bride and groom’s commitment to Christ. His Lordship overshadows them both.
And His banner over them is love. “He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love” (Song of Solomon 2:4). Where Jesus is invited, He comes with dignity, grace and is the object of their worship. So, we honor Him with music, that is, praise and gratitude, to the One who brought together the couple in holy matrimony. The minister conducts a service that outlines Christ’s expectations for the husband and wife. God expects holiness in their marriage.
A wedding needs just enough informality to keep it personal, but not so much that it becomes irreverent. Just as Jesus gave Himself in unselfish sacrifice, so a Christian couple is giving of themselves to see who can out serve the other. Couples who grow together, get along. A mature marriage makes the most of how to love like the other wants love.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5).
Indeed, a wedding is the celebration of God bringing together two lives under His Lordship. But a wedding is also a declaration of commitment and fidelity, first to Christ, and then to one another. It is the opening scene to a full-length film entitled “Marriage”. Thus, make your wedding meaningful by planning it as your preparation for marriage.
How can I facilitate a worshipful wedding for friends, family or myself? How can I stay true to my wedding vows with the goal of a Christ-centered marriage?
Related Readings: Psalm 45:1; Song of Songs 3:11; Matthew 25:10; Revelation 19:7-9
