The following is an excerpt which I wrote to be published on the final page of Karlyn and my wedding program/ handout. While recently sorting through boxes at home, I came across this again. I had forgotten that I had written it. But, when reading it again, I was encouraged and exhorted to continue on in a faithful pursuit of Godly, Christlike love toward my wife. So, on this, my 22nd Monthiversary, I share it with you, both for your encouragement and my accountability.
“…and they lived happily ever after.” – at least that is the way that it is supposed to end. But, as we all know, this is not really the way it is; or is it?
In the beginning of time, God created an intimate relationship between a man and a women which possesses privileges which can only be shared exclusively with each other. God established this marriage relationship as a living picture of the love covenant which God would make between Himself and a body of people called the church. The church is not made up of good, upright and lovely people. On the contrary, the church is comprised of evil, immoral and vile people who have despised God. Yet God demonstrated His love for them while they were still sinners by coming to earth as a man named Jesus and suffering the punishment for sin that they deserved. Jesus, the Bridegroom, did this so that the church, His bride, might live with Him forever. They deserved eternal separation from God and His glory, but because He loved them and died in their place, they will live with Him forever.
Today Karlyn and I are committing to God to live out this picture of marriage, which represents Jesus and His church, by faithfully looking at Jesus as our example and substitute. But, more than that, Karlyn and I are also apart of Jesus’ church. We are His beloved whom He died for. We will never be separated from God; Jesus suffered our punishment for us. Rather, we will live with Him forever. So, for Karlyn and me, it is true; we will live happily ever after to the praise of the glory of His grace.
Revelation 19:7
“Let us rejoice and exult and give him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready.”
Thank you Ricky. No matter how many new and wondrous things we learn in our married life that basis cannot and must not be forgotten. It is true in so many areas (electrical work, sports, teaching, etc) but must not, must never be forgotten in what God established in the beginning.
Dad
August 19th, 2010
A great reminder to me of the objective to be fulfilled in my marriage every day. How can I say “I have a Godly marriage” or say that “I love my wife” and be biblicaly accurate if the Gospel hasn’t been considered in my expression of love to me wife.
As a result of this blog and regardless of the business of the day I purposed to have lunch with my wife today. I was hoping that she would recieve this great sacrifice of time as an act of love. When I met her for lunch I quickly learned that this lunch was not going to be personal since other co-workers in the ministry chose the same place and time to eat as i did. Both during lunch and after lunch I was frustrated and discouraged that my objective of showing love to my wife wasn’t being accomplished. Finally, it hit me that my frustration was due to my expectations. My wife didn’t have those same expectations and as a result was just thankful we saw each other and could sit next to one another for a short time. Being close to one another and spending time together is evidence a healthy relationship.
I am so grateful that God didn’t meet the disciples expectations (which would have been mine too)of His Son while he was on this earth. Instead God gave us what each of us really needed – salvation from sin and a restored relationship with Him.
Todd
August 25th, 2010
Thanks for sharing Todd. I find it amazing that God really knows us best, and yet we still think that “everything is going wrong” when He ordains what we would not wish. Thanks for your transparency. I have always found that to be a sanctifying fruit which God has grown and in you. Keep up the good work by His grace.
ricky
August 27th, 2010