The Day

Today is "the day"; well, at least it was supposed to be. Many of you reading this will hear for the first time what we accepted earlier this week. Due to the continuing COVID pandemic and situation, we as a family unit had to make the combined decision to postpone Grant and Avery's wedding that was scheduled for today. Earlier this week, both of them tested posited for COVID. They both have had mild symptoms, but none the less they are a part of the growing numbers and stats of those that are fully vaccinated but yet still contracting the virus.

I'm supposed to say, "God is in control." I have, but it is still tricky. I'm supposed to say, "Think of the stories you will be able to share years from now." I have, but hearing a bride wept as the countdown continued to her day was hard. I'm supposed to say, "Think of the laughs we are going to have when we say 'Happy what was suppose to be anniversary day.'" I have, but yet again, it's tough doing so when you are looking at your son and future daughter-in-law at their droopy sick eyes.

With the recent completion of our family sermon series, I recalled Paul's writing to the church at Ephesus. In Ephesians 5:22-33, Paul writes to the church regarding the church identified as the bride of Christ. The Apostal Paul likened the relationship between Christ and the church to that of a husband and wife. With this most perfect of relationships, Jesus Christ is the "head of the church," while the church submits humbly to Him. Christ loves the church and sacrifices His own life for her (25). Christ sanctifies and washes the church via His Word (26). Then lastly Christ presents her to Himself "in splendor," unmarred by any imperfection (27). When I reread verses 28-29, I realized in part that my Son Grant was about to embark on a new role. Even though the wedding day had been postponed, Grant has received a crash course on "loving his wife." "In the same way, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hates his own flesh but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church" When reading those two verses, Paul is portraying Christ's covenant love for the church. Like Christ, a husband cares for his wife in the same way he cares for his own body, nourishing and cherishing her (28-29). There is love between the husband, Christ, and His bride, the church, with no hint of anything untoward or hateful. Moreover, drawing upon the divine plan at creation for the marriage between a husband and his wife, Paul pointed to God's design for husband and wife to "become one flesh" (31-32). The relationship between the church and God is so intimate that nothing remains between the two of them: they have become one!

Friends, this week has been full of emotions, questions, and plenty of prayers. Grant and Avery's health is good but tired; their emotional being is disappointed but satisfied. We all understand that God is in control and that He unconditionally loves each of us. While vows and rings will not be exchanged today, a family unit is seizing an opportunity to be a witness. Pray for them as they isolate and quarantine. Pray for all the moving pieces and contract negotiations. Pray that God's story and plan will continue to be front and center in all of this. Thank you for being an outstanding God-honoring church family that together pushes through all of the celebrations and difficulties of life.

Serving Him,
Pastor Jeff