And the Two Become One

Yesterday I had the privilege of being in my brother-in-law’s wedding.  A beautiful ceremony and reception that perfectly fit the bride and groom.  Joseph has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know and in Jesse, he found a mate that is one of the kindest and gentlest souls that I have met.  The two complement each other perfectly in spirit, in interests, and in writing. 

The ceremony had wonderful touches highlighting their loves of coffee, reading, and games.   And it all reflected their love for each other and of the Lord. 

In particular, they wanted to make sure their ceremony included a presentation of the Gospel message. 

And a wedding is a wonderful opportunity to present the Gospel. A beautiful illustration of the love of God, for a marriage is often used as an illustration of God’s love for his church. 

“Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior.  Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.

 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.  Indeed, no one ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church.  For we are members of His body.

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”  This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.  Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”

Ephesians 5:22-33

That God would compare our marriages to His relationship with His Bride, the Church tells you how seriously he takes marriage. How it is to be one of our greatest witnesses. That our marital love reflects God’s love for us.   

So to celebrate such a union, to celebrate two that God has brought together, and who are taking this commitment with the perspective that is appropriate, that is worth celebrating. No wonder Jesus’ first miracle was at a wedding. 

To Joseph and Jesse Hamrick, may the two of you be blessed with many happy years ahead. May you be a wonderful reflection of that Gospel love. May your love be a witness and example to others. May you make choices that always bring you closer together.  May each day be brighter than the previous. 

 Congratulations and God bless!