I don't remember much of my wedding day: there was a lot going on: preparation, pictures, there was food at some point...a lot of people supporting my wife and I...but everything else was a blur. What I do remember is the radiance of my wife, holding my breath as the doors opened, and I saw her marching down the aisle with her dad, radiant, and pure. I remember that my knees shook, and as we exchanged rings and vows, my hands and voice shook as well. I remembered also the words in Genesis "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." I do my best to honor the vows, and especially the scriptures, and do all I can to "hold fast" to my wife; to cling to her, to remain one with her. In Ministry, I see this term is not merely about marriage.
As Believers, we're the bride of Christ; not individually, but the Church. Christ isn't coming back for the individuals, but His Bride. We're in this together. When we begin that journey, we're to forsake all others, just as in the Marriage vow, we're to seek Him in Rich, poor, better worse, sickness, and health. We're to cling to Him in all circumstances, and hold fast. But it's not a solo journey. We're in this together. We're to encourage one another, build one another up in love, speak to each other in truth and love, and in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, and speak only what is useful for building up (Ephesians 4 has much to say on that!). We're to seek the Word, which is useful for teaching, rebuking, reproof (showing error), correction, and training in Righteousness so that we may be fully equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bride must be prepared for the wedding day, even as the groom prepares. Let us, as believers, members of the Body, and Bride labor together to see that we're all finishing strong, radiant and pure for when our Heavenly Bridegroom comes to take us home. Hold Fast to Him, stand upon His word, and we shall be ready!
Hebrews 10:19-25-Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
