I Do And I Will
Joy Revie
Life is always changing - that much is for sure!
Just when we think we have got used to one rhythm, something comes along and changes it whether we want it to or not!
This year for us is all about weddings!! The daughter of very good friends of ours got married 3 weeks ago and our 2 daughters got married this year, first in February and second one just last week!
As with any significant event, there had been much planning over this last year. For each wedding, we arrived a few days beforehand to help with the preparations.
The excitement and anticipation was palpable as we all worked together hanging bunting, arranging flowers, setting the tables, hoping it would all be ready in time! While we worked, we were chatting and getting to know friends and relatives of both the bride and groom, discovering how they had all become a part of their lives.
The big day came, the sun was shining.
The vows were made and both said: “I Do”.
The groom was grinning from ear to ear and the bride was radiant.
A day full of love, joy, and happiness, bursting with hope and dreams for their future together. They were glorious celebrations, and wonderful to be sharing such a precious day with them all.
Afterwards I was reflecting on that wedding in Cana that we read about in John's gospel (John 2:1-12). I imagined that Jesus too would be chatting and relaxing with friends and family. He would be laughing, eating good food and toasting the bride and groom quietly ensuring that everything ran smoothly and the wine flowed!!
Imagine having Jesus physically at your wedding, toasting your health and happiness for the future!! Brilliant!
In the Bible, when questioned about fasting, Jesus identifies Himself as the Bridegroom:
How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
(Matthew 9:15, NIV)
And the Bible goes on to use marriage imagery to describe followers of Jesus (the church) as His bride. In Ephesians 5, Paul compares the love Jesus has for the church to a husband's love for his wife:
Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church - a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ's love makes the church whole.
(Ephesians 5: 25-32, MSG)
In the marriage ceremony we hear the bride and groom being asked if they will love, honour and cherish each other etc, and the reply often varies with ‘I Do’ or ‘I Will’, depending how the question is phrased in the first place.
“I Do” is a declaration for the day. It acts as a permanent, active statement of truth right now.
“I Will” is a declaration for the future. It serves as a forward-looking promise of commitment to upcoming actions and future devotion.
Both declarations facilitate a legal marriage but, as in our journey of faith, sometimes making the declaration of ‘I Will’ keeps us going when it is hard for us to keep on Doing.
Jesus waits patiently as our Bridegroom. But how do we, as His Bride, relate to Him, our betrothed?
He deeply adores us despite our flaws.
He is always faithful, pure and devoted.
He desires intimacy with us, longing for opportunities to spend time together.
We were known even before being formed in the womb.
We are made in His image.
So, regardless of your marriage status, can I encourage you to know today that you are deeply loved and valued by Jesus, your Bridegroom, just as you are. He sees you as beautiful, dazzling and perfectly radiant - just as any groom sees his bride.
Let’s continue to say to Him I Do love You and I Will put my trust in You and follow You wherever You want me to go.
