Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! Revelation 19:9-10
Dear Lord Jesus, it’s not really hard for me to understand why John fell down to worship the angel who delivered this stunning vision and magnificent declaration. For the deepest longings, the most holy cravings and the irrepressible yearnings of my heart are claimed by the Day here described—the wedding supper of the Lamb.
I only foolishly think there’s some set of circumstances… some person… some relationship… some change in my world… some sensual experiences that can satisfy the restless and out-stretched-reach of my soul. But I’m made for you, Jesus—I’m made to be fulfilled and completed only by you. You are the most loving and tender Bridegroom who cherishes a most unlikely and ill-deserving bride.
That I’m among those invited, called and guaranteed a place in this banquet… that I’m a part of the people upon whom you have set your great affection and in whom you find much delight… that our future will be an eternal celebration of the only love that was ever enough… O Lord, for these incomparable gifts, I praise you… I worship you… I adore you.
Jesus, until that Day… until the Day you consummate this already secured marriage, help me and my married friends enjoy everything you intend for us in our marriages. How can we as spouses offer one another small yet substantive tastes of your great tenderness, passion and delight?
Free us from unrealistic expectations of one another. Free us from having no expectations of one another. Especially free us from thinking you cannot renew… you will not refresh broken, boring, passionless, purposeless marriages. In these temporary marriages of ours, bring childlike wonder and grace-full kindness to bear once again. So very Amen, I pray, in your merciful and mighty name.
