“As God’s beloved children, walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God… ‘A man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” (Eph. 5:1-2; 31-32)
Lord Jesus, what words are adequate… shocking, knee-buckling, astonishing, breathtaking—better perhaps, breath-giving? How can we possibly capture the wonders of your love, the measure of. your grace, the honor of all honors? Whether or not we have a human spouse, we have an eternal in you. No mere human being could ever do for us and be to us what you are, Jesus.
I pray a deeper, fresher, more consuming grasp of this grand reality for all of us, no matter our state of matrimony. I especially pray for the young couple whose wedding I am officiating this weekend. May their belovedness to you be their most defining, life-giving, joy-fueling treasure. May your love for each of them compel them to walk in love, and to love each other as you love us, Jesus.
Jesus, keep them free and clear from the illusion that marriage exists to fill us up, only make us happy, and need you less. As they leave, cleave, and weave with one another, may their relationship increasingly reveal the humility, affection, passion, and delight of your relationship with us.
Us too, Jesus… renew, refresh, re-stun us with yourself, and your love for us. You are the Spouse we always wanted, the only One to whom we’ll be married forever. It’s the honor of all honors, indeed. So Very Amen.