To have and to hold from this day forward...
An intentional month-long journey, building our momentum together as we tone our spiritual core to the theme of consecrating our lives to God, for better or for worse.
My nephew Adam walked me down the aisle to my seat at my son's wedding. Jason, my firstborn, was getting married! Moments later, the groomsmen shuffled out and lined up on the platform. Jason looked nervous. I could see Bruce, his best man and dad, whisper something to him. Jason responded like a ventriloquist. He eyes never wavered from the back of the auditorium.
The wedding processional started. All eyes were turning toward the back as the bridesmaids began their slow march. But my eyes were riveted on Jason. Such a tense moment, standing there in front of everyone, his heart on his sleeve. Then I saw a subtle shift in his facial muscles, his eyes. Without looking, I knew he had caught sight of his bride, Heather.
Agony melted into ardor. Eyes welling with love. His wooing completed, the moment arrived, and his face spoke a thousand words.
Since that day, I am drawn to the groom's face whenever I go to a wedding. The play of sentiments is something to behold. I even had a hard time turning my attention to my beautiful daughter as she began her walk down the aisle. Watching the tender heart of my new son-in-law, CJ, vied for my attention.
When I think of the moment of my decision to follow Christ, I imagine the same play of emotions on His face. How long did He woo me before I said yes? What do the angels see in His face the moment one of us makes the decision to become the bride of Christ? Even though I didn't get to see Jesus's face the moment I said yes, one day we will all get to see His face at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.
Let us rejoice and exalt him and give him glory, because the wedding celebration of the Lamb has come. And his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, shining bright and clear, has been given to her to wear, and the fine linen represents the righteous deeds of his holy believers.
Revelation 19:7-8 TPT
On the day I made the decision to dedicate my life to Jesus Christ, I was driving home from Bible study and wondering if I had enough faith to make such a decision. My attention was drawn to the forest outside my car. I felt a sudden strong urge to pull over on the side of the road. God was inviting me in a compelling way to stop, then and there, and talk to Him. As I gazed at the majestic forest, I spoke to God about my doubts and my desires to live my life for Him.
I sat there for a few minutes, feeling a sense of peace. I didn't hear any wedding music. I didn't smell any roasting meats, I didn't see candlelight or flowers. I wasn't wearing a white gown. But I know with certainty that some kind of celebration was taking place in Heaven.
That's the way God responds every time one lost sinner repents and turns to him. He says to all his angels, "Let's have a joyous celebration, for the one who was lost, I have found!
Luke 15:10
Questions to Consider
Reflect on your "come to Jesus" moment. Where were you? What were the circumstances? Relive that moment and relish it.
Do you know the date when you said yes to Jesus? I don't know the exact date, but it was in the winter, so I chose Valentine's day to commemorate as my "wedding day" with Jesus. Plan to celebrate each year in some way to mark the occasion and make it special.
Can you imagine what was going on in Heaven at that moment? Journal your thoughts and imaginings. What emotions would be playing across Jesus's face at that moment?
The word consecrate means to dedicate one's life, time, skills, etc. for a specific purpose. Try writing out a prayer of consecration to Jesus, sort of like wedding vows.
Scripture to Memorize
This month, write these words on your heart by repeating them at least once a day. Use whatever translation you're comfortable with. This one is from the NIV translation.
Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 20:7 NIV
Worship Music
The worship video below is a special one. It features an introduction to the artist who wrote the featured hymn, Take My Life and Let It Be. I love this hymn and I love the presentation because it's done with solemn reverence. I can imagine Jesus might pick this hymn for the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. Enjoy!
Next Week
Next week we will continue on the theme of consecrating our lives to God, for better or for worse by focusing on the "better" times.