This past week was a contrast between great joy and sorrow for our church. We witnessed a young couple exchange their vows and celebrated their marriage. We also learned of the loss of a precious baby and wept for the parents.
The latter situation made me long for Christ's return. This world is such a sad and broken place. We groan for the day when we will no longer feel the effects of sin. One day, every tear will be wiped away, and all that has been ruined by the fall will be renewed.
But as I was reflecting on the wedding ceremony and the words pointing us to Christ and the church, this also makes me long for Christ's return. As much as I pray that this couple has a long and happy marriage, there will be a day when the shadow gives way to reality, the day when we will be forever with the Lord.
God was sovereign in drawing this man and woman together, and He was sovereign in bringing this little one home. He hasn't changed. He's the same loving God and Father when our emotions readily agree and when sight fails and faith alone clings to the truth. He's also at work in our hearts so that in every joy or sorrow, our prayer may be, "Come, Lord Jesus."
The latter situation made me long for Christ's return. This world is such a sad and broken place. We groan for the day when we will no longer feel the effects of sin. One day, every tear will be wiped away, and all that has been ruined by the fall will be renewed.
But as I was reflecting on the wedding ceremony and the words pointing us to Christ and the church, this also makes me long for Christ's return. As much as I pray that this couple has a long and happy marriage, there will be a day when the shadow gives way to reality, the day when we will be forever with the Lord.
God was sovereign in drawing this man and woman together, and He was sovereign in bringing this little one home. He hasn't changed. He's the same loving God and Father when our emotions readily agree and when sight fails and faith alone clings to the truth. He's also at work in our hearts so that in every joy or sorrow, our prayer may be, "Come, Lord Jesus."
Amen Persis! Great insight and great post!
ReplyDeleteSuch joy, such sorrow. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago we celebrated my sister's wedding only to grieve my grandmother's death just a week or so later. I remembered thinking at the time it was a condensed snapshot of life: joy and sorrow, celebration and grief. Like you I am grateful for the Lord's sovereignty as well as the hope we have beyond this life.
ReplyDelete