Today marks 19 years since my husband and I said, “I do.” It’s amazing to think how much happens in 19 years- and how it seems like just yesterday that I anxiously waited for the doors of the sanctuary to open. Rather than the usual bridal procession or Cannon in D, I walked down the aisle to a song by Twila Paris called “How Beautiful.”
The doors were kept closed until the 3rd verse, which begins: How beautiful the radiant bride who waits for her groom with his light in her eyes. I’m not typically an overly emotional person or one who cries easily, but when those doors opened, I absolutely sobbed! Even though I cried the entire way down the aisle, it was one of the most beautiful and joyous moments of my life.
Over the last 19 years, I would like to think I’ve learned some things about marriage; about serving, selflessness, when to speak, and when to be silent. But the lesson I’ve learned most profoundly is how marriage is a representation of the gospel. I knew before June 19, 2004, that in marriage the husband was to love his wife as Christ loved the Church, and that the wife was to serve and honor her husband as the Church serves Christ. And of course, this has been a great challenge throughout our marriage- a great call to love and serve one another with a humble, servant love. But what I failed to grasp then was the higher purpose this illustration gives marriage. Our marriages are to tell the story of the gospel. Our marriages are meant to evangelize!
Knowing the profound truth that marriage illustrates the gospel changes everything. For instance, what do my words and attitude toward my husband communicate about the way the Church is to speak of Christ, or the way in which she is to honor Him? Does the joy expressed in our marriage reflect the joy experienced between Christ and His bride? Admittedly, I one hundred percent know I do not always uphold an accurate picture of the Church. My tone can be irritated and my joy stale. But knowing the picture I represent motivates me to abide in Christ and His Word so that I can more accurately show his love to my spouse- and to the world.
For 19 years, I have been the bride of one man. But if we have trusted in Christ alone for our salvation, then we are His body, the Church, His bride. If we are married, this truth gives our lives a twofold challenge: 1) To live our marriages purposefully. We must remember that we have a great honor- and responsibility- to demonstrate to one another, and to unbelievers, the gospel in action. And, 2) To live purposefully as the bride of Christ. As His bride, we should desire him more than anything, living each day with His light in our eyes.
I am so thankful for these 19 years of marriage and pray for many more! I also pray that God will continue to mold me into a Christ-like bride for my husband, and the Church into a radiant bride for Christ, for whom we wait with eager expectation.
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