They Wed

There were several things about Saturday’s wedding that made it special.  First of all, we were invited to join a family in witnessing the marriage of their children.  They could have opted to be married by a justice of the peace.  They could have eloped.  They could have simply moved in together, for a night or a longer shack up (his pastor reminded us of that, too.)

They chose first to remain pure for their spouse.  They made a promise years before to keep themselves physically and spiritual prepared to wear white.  They both did, and wore white.  They chose to make their commitments before God and a large cloud of witnesses. 

She returned her purity ring to her pastor, trading it for the one offered by the man promising to fulfill his commitment to her and his Lord:

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. (Ephesians 5:25-28 KJV)

What did they lose by waiting?  Nothing, except for opportunities of regret and worries about HPV or STD.
 
What did they gain? The respect of their family, friends and peers. The knowledge of their spouse’s faithfulness, dependability and stability.  Compliance with God’s commands.  What a trade!!!

They chose to share the moment with others, an open invitation to family, friends, church members – and many of us accepted. We wished to celebrate this day with them, and to let them know that difficulties ahead can be overcome, leading them to their own golden anniversary.  “Only fifty more to go and you’ll catch up with us,” I told her.

All of this took a lot more work, and money, than heading for a court house.  They chose God’s house.  Their vows were before Him, taking into consideration His expectations for marriage as well as their treatment of each other for the rest of their lives.  God is central in their marriage.  As they grow closer to Him, they grow closer to each other.

Next week bills will arrive, meals will need to be prepared, vacuuming (or ‘hoovering’ as my English friend says) will be required, schedules met.  Life will be lived.  The same for all of us!

Saturday we all were a part of their following God’s will:

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? (Matthew 19:5 KJV)