Recently, I was honored to attend a vow renewal for some dear friends. Not only did I get to attend as a guest, but I also had the privilege of helping the bride prepare for her groom. Married for thirty years, they never had a “real” wedding with the dress, flowers, and guests. For them, this was their wedding—a big shebang of a celebration shared with their nearest and dearest friends and family. In the months leading up to the event, my friends spent countless hours and many dollars planning their special day. No detail was too small. But their true focus was to declare their continued commitment to one another and celebrate all that God has done in their lives and marriage.
I felt the charge of excitement in the preparations taking place in the bridal room. We laughed as we hugged each other. The sounds of zippers being pulled and the high-pressure, continuous “shhh” of hairspray joined the chorus of happy chatter and excited exclamations. It was a soundtrack of joy as everyone got ready. The minister’s wife came in and joked about the groom being a nervous wreck as he stood out in the hallway.
NO ONE ENTERS MARRIAGE WITHOUT BAGGAGE
It got me thinking. No one comes into marriage without baggage, and no one stays married for thirty years without experiencing the reality of their vows. The day wasn’t a leap into the great unknown. It was a done deal. Chris had already been married to Jackie for thirty years. They endured more than their share of “for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health” experiences. There were no surprises. And yet, Chris was still filled with nervous anticipation as he prepared to see his bride and once again proclaim his commitment, dedication, and immense love for her.
THE WEDDING ABOVE ALL WEDDINGS
I can’t help but think about the Marriage Feast of the Lamb mentioned in Revelation 19:6–9, with Jesus as the groom and His bride, the Church. It will be a time of immense happiness, joy, and rejoicing. We will celebrate God’s triumph over evil and the completion of Christ’s covenant with His people. I wonder how Jesus feels as He anticipates this day with us.
JESUS CAN’T WAIT!!!!
Some of us have walked with Him for years. He knows all our baggage. There are no surprises for Him. It’s a done deal, and yet He still can’t wait. I began to see with new eyes just how much Jesus loves us and how eagerly He longs to share a shebang of a celebration with us, His nearest and dearest.
Revelation 19:9 says, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” That wedding will be the most expensive ever. It cost Jesus His shed blood on Calvary. We receive the invitation by placing our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
YOUR INVITATION
My eyes started to tear up as I placed the final pin in the bride’s hair. She looked absolutely radiant in her white gown. I looked forward to the celebration about to take place. Even more so, I am overwhelmed with anticipation for the greater celebration still to come. “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Are you also overwhelmed with gratitude, anticipating the greatest marriage celebration ever? If you are unsure of your invitation, please take action today. God’s promises, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) Let the Eternal bridegroom know your RSVP. I want to see you at the Marriage Feast of the Lamb.