joined together

Matthew 19:5-6  'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?  So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."

 

Today I was privileged to witness a beautiful wedding.  Gorgeous weather, a beautiful bride, a handsome groom and a lovely personalized service blended to make for a very happy occasion.  The reception was satisfying as we heard heart-felt toasts from family members and enjoyed the familiar traditions of bouquet tossing, cake cutting and wedding party introductions.  As I watched the service, and later savored the reception festivities, I thought about the amazing bond of marriage.  The young couple each pledged their love and the pastor reminded us of the spiritual nature of marriage, and of the inevitable difficulties that would test their commitment.  I thought about the scripture above and how it is the Lord, Himself, who joins each man and woman.  Something amazing happens that transcends all the words and all the traditions, as vital as they are to the ceremony.  Just as surely as the Lord brings life to each of us, so He is the one who joins two to become one.  I think that's one reason that it can be hard to picture what the experience of marriage will be like before you marry.  Each partner actually is changed...completed really...as they come together and you cannot know what it is like to be married until you are!  In a sense every married couple has experienced a personal miracle, and continues to live within that miracle as the Lord holds them in His hands.  I remember learning in chemistry how two elements come together to form a new one, with distinct properties.  This is called a chemical reaction and heat is generally given off, or consumed, in the process.  I think marriage is much the same.

 

blessings (especially to Nate and Amanda) and thanks to God for being the One who joins us together,

 

Rob Smith