I’m
chuckling to myself as I think of two couples about to marry tomorrow. My
hopes and prayers are for them to have wonderful marriages and futures
together, but an ironic thought just came to me. These four of my friends
are about to 'tie the knot', essentially giving up their independence; as
our entire country celebrates our 'Independence Day'. The thought as it
came to me was funny, but the idea of marriage isn't. Marriage is one of
those things I consider to be high on a list of importance. I've often
said, the ideas and terms we use for marriage aren't correct. First of all,
marriage isn't an 'institution', not merely a 'contract', it isn't enough
to call it 'serious business'. One of the phrases in traditional marriage
ceremonies is this, Matrimony "...is an honorable and solemn estate
and therefore is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but
reverently and soberly." The bride and groom promise to be faithful
and live as ‘one flesh’. This is so much more than a contract, but an
agreement to become a unit, which will work together. These promises are so
much more than a contract (business or otherwise) and no other
'institution' is such a union.
We call our 'Country' the United States of America. Our independence from
England is what we celebrate each Fourth of July. But the union of States
is similar to a marriage, within the premise of having one purpose. No
'union' can survive without hard work. Independence is a wonderful thing.
But, without cooperation, independence most often will result in chaos and
anarchy. Carol and I will celebrate thirty-nine years of marriage,
cooperation and union next week. We've weathered our differences and
disputes, because of our commitment to each other. Without hard work (by
each of us), our 'union' wouldn't have been successful. We're still
independent, but have chosen to remain a connected and cooperative 'union'
from the start. I wouldn't have it any other way.
We who call ourselves Christian have vowed, promised and given our oath to
remain united, faithful and 'married' to Jesus. Our promise to serve and
honor Him is so much more sacred than marriage vows, in that marriage
offers a union of happiness and freedom from loneliness; the union with
Christ Jesus is a promise of eternal life without illness, sorrow, fear,
discord or death. Our country's history shows no government, no business or
even marriage can offer what Christ Jesus offers. He forgives and erases
sins, just as a spouse should forgive transgressions and flaws within
limits. Jesus has only one limit. The only thing Jesus won't forgive is the
apostasy of blaspheming God's Holy Spirit, which is to reject Him. True
independence is a willingness and cooperative spirit to consider the rights
of others as important as one's own. Independence won't work without the
help of others. Independence from God, Jesus or God's Holy Spirit doesn't
work for any of us. In our independence, let's all ‘marry’ Jesus. As
His Bride, we are showered with promises of eternity with Him. He will
return to gather His Bride to Himself. I want to be gathered.
Tommy M returned to his home after all tests were
negative. Because his chest pains were severe, his doctor wants him to
undergo a stress test, to be certain of his heart's condition. Please pray
for his upcoming test. Tomorrow four of my friends will be married. One
wedding will be outdoors in a State Park. Please pray for the futures of
John and Jennifer, Arlie (Bud) and Trish. My visit to the doctor relieved
any worry I may have had about overdoing my workouts at the fitness center
(due to a leaky heart valve) and a medication was prescribed (diuretic) to
try to ease the swelling in my lower legs. I've heard from my friends on
the motorcycle trip. They will arrive in Boulder, Colorado today, as
scheduled. They're all well.
Father, as we celebrate our Independence Day,
may we reflect on the most important freedom we have. That is the freedom
to worship openly and without fear of punishment, imprisonment or worse.
Help us to realize independence isn't merely 'going our own way', but a
freedom to be united with Christ Jesus as His Bride. Fill us with an
appreciation of our vow to Him and Your promise of eternity with Him as an
heir to heaven with Him. Help us to consider our earthly vows and promises
to be sacred as those we've given to You. Forgive our sins, as we forgive
other sinners who have sinned against us. In agreement, we lift these loved
ones and concerns: Tommy M, John & Jennifer, Bud & Trish, Sons of
Thunder MM - (Dan B - John C - Ed F - Jim W & John H), Ruth H, Scott K,
Roy M, Barbara M, Amber & family, Heather, Mildred, Jim, John C - Julie
and Mary, Peyton - Heidi - Shawn & family, Katy, adoption of Grace,
Mission workers, Vickie, Nathan M, Amy - Hannah, Isaiah & Sarah,
Maxine, Debbie, Rick H, Becky & Roy M, Evelyn S, Larry S, Maria - her
grandmother and son, Richard B, Judy F, June, Jane, Lindsey, Cole, Brenda
W, Steve B, David S, Vickie's mom, Terrance S, Julie S, Virginia, Keith,
Carol & George O, Barron, Bob, Mark M, Carol B, Lisa H, Michelle,
Olivia, Bob, Terri R, Bert C, Jason, Aprilla, Tommy M, Brian, Jennifer F,
Brandon, Gerald, Al, Victoria, June, Bill, Woody & Vickie, Brandelyn
& Brock, Rebecca's granddaughter, Jan, Savanna, Teresa, Judy, Amanda,
Cindy's grandfather, Norm S, David & Debbie, Matt M, Nancy - Wendy
& family, Jack, Tom Cos, Tom C, Susie & Miles P, Jim, Pam, Kenny,
Bill, Glen, Beulah, Pat, Dwight's dad, Jim V, Gayla, Tom &Marg,
Claudia, Althea, Rick, Kim, Joe, Brock, Jane, Sue, Arianne, Tammy, Kathy,
Joe, Nathan - Jenet & children, Dustin, Ray, Staci, Judy & Don,
Tracey, Charlie A, Jacob, Ben, Michelle, Nadia, Rob, Valerie, Glen, Ginny,
Gayle, Larry, Dave & Joel, TJ, Ben, Wanda, Larry & his wife, Megan,
Connie, Chris, Amber, Smokey, Carolyn's mom & family, John, Scott -
Linda & children, Terry, Adam, Ruby, Donna, Glenna, Lettie, Barry,
Terry, Chuck, Ben, Mary, Johnnie, Ken, Chris, Dale, James B, Gary, Austin,
Amy, Karen, Dylan, Robin & husband, Kenny, Our loved for salvation and
guidance, Those grieving, depressed, fighting / working for freedom and
safety from terror, neglected / abused / missing children, God's servants
and churches, those looking for work, in rehab programs, our families and
all we hold dear in our hearts. With all honor, praise and thanksgiving, we
pray. We LOVE YOU FATHER! Amen.
And the twenty-four elders and the four living
creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying,
"Amen. Hallelujah!" And from the throne came a voice saying,
"Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and
great." Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude,
like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder,
crying out, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let
us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb
has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to
clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"-- for the fine linen
is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, "Write
this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the
Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God."
Revelation 19:4-9 ESV
