More Thoughts on Nate and Jen's Wedding

All through scripture God uses stories to speak to us in a way that we will understand. One of the analogies I love the most is how He explains the relationship between God and His church by using the bride and groom.

Before their marriage Nate spent time readying a place for his bride, Jen. Likewise, Jesus left this earth to go and prepare a place for His bride, the Church (John 14:2). Nate then met Jen on their wedding day at God’s altar. He came back for her. Jesus promises that He too will come back for His bride (John 14:3).

The anticipation and preparation of Nate and Jen’s marriage generated much joy and happiness for all involved. Those that were directly involved with planning the festivities were taken to and kept at such an emotional high one must experience it to fully understand the plane on which one resides during that time. Even those who were somewhat involved in the preparations and planning were pulled along into the excitement. John talks to us about this in his Revelation (19:7) when he says, “Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready."

This brings us to the symbolism of the bride and her gown. Jen wore white as a sign of purity as she stood before God and her bridegroom. God’s bride, the church, will also be adorned in this same white symbol, “And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white; for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”

As much as I was excited and inspired by the marriage I was equally excited with the anticipation of seeing and being with family and friends at the receptions held for Nate and Jen. I would be seeing friends that I have see for a long time as well as those that I am with on a regular basis. This very aspect of the relationship between Christ and the Church is highlighted in scripture when John wrote what he was told, “Blessed are they that are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb." The word ‘Blessed’ here means happy. Then John follows this with the statement, “And he said unto me, ‘These are the true sayings of God.’” (Revelations 9:19)

The marriage supper of the Lamb will be held in Heaven, the very place that Jesus went to prepare for us. If I was excited to see and be with folks that are here in this life with me, I can only imagine what it will be like to once again greet, hug and be with those that have gone to be with Jesus before me. Let me change that statement, I can’t imagine it.

God has used and continues to use the simple things, the things that we can relate to, like a wedding, to reveal Himself to use. - Dan