Uplook - March 18, 2023

Good evening dear saints,

I’m writing in the evening as Lori and I had the privilege of attending the 50th wedding anniversary of some dear friends who live a couple of hours away.  There was good food, good fellowship, lots of photos, many memories, along with some laughter and tears.  We were thrilled to see their children and spouses all serving the Lord and raising grandchildren in the Gospel as well.  And trust me, they have had their share of challenges and trials along the way;  business challenges, health challenges, and even a bump or two at church over the years but today we all celebrated the victories and blessings of God to them and their family as well as the blessing they have been to others through the years.

As you might suspect…this reminded me of the ever nearing “Marriage Supper of the Lamb” when the Bride of Christ (the Church) is gathered into heaven to celebrate with the Bridegroom (Jesus Christ).  I was just wondering if that event will be more like a wedding celebration (it is characterized in the Bible after a Jewish Wedding Feast) or if it possibly will have some of the trappings of a 50th Anniversary celebration?  It seems to me that our love and anticipation is intense at the beginning of marriage but over the years it is seasoned (if we will allow) into a more tender, deep, and knowledgeable love than was experienced at the beginning.  One that has endured hardship, difficulty, challenges, and problems but has triumphed through grace, forgiveness, and a growing love for God and for each other.  I suspect when we get to heaven…there will be a meshing of both extremes along with a welcome absence of pain, sorrow, tears, etc.
What a day of celebration that will be…and I am anxiously awaiting it.

May we all do our best to accept our invitation to the “wedding supper” and to wrap ourselves in the provided “wedding garment” in the days ahead.  It certainly cannot be long until the trumpet sounds.

God bless,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor