As I sit here in a coffee shop in Tacoma, Washington on the eve of my third-born son’s wedding ceremony, I ponder the vast implications of this event. I found this photo of my gorgeous groom, taken just shortly after we married over 28 years ago. He’s sitting on the old plaid sofa I mentioned earlier in my blog, the spot that soon became my meeting place with God most mornings. In retrospect, I was a somewhat naive 18 year-old bride who really didn’t have a clue about what I’d just done when I’d said “I do” to my Gregory at an altar in front of about a thousand onlookers. Now I see very clearly. I see that when a godly man and woman (not perfect, but hungry for God and committed to His Kingdom) are yoked together for life, they make a declaration to not only those watching in the auditorium, but to the powers-that-be in the spirit realm. The words spoken and the promises made during their wedding ceremony contain spiritual power to change the world. It’s not just about a couple of mutually-attracted young adults planning the BIG DAY, going on a fancy honeymoon to an exotic spot, then setting up house with all their pretty new things, double incomes and bright future. It’s not about the American dream! That’s part of it, and we’ve all tasted of the privilege of our nation’s prosperity, but it’s a very insignificant part of what marriage should be about. When my son and his bride say their vows this weekend, and the pastor pronounces them man and wife, an edict is issued. The Son of God looks down from heaven and I believe the angels sing and a supernatural decree will go forth from the holy occasion! “This is an historical, watershed moment! A godly household is being established – a base of operations for this kingdom couple – this power team. Their home shall be a refuge, a place where altars are built for the living God, a place of love and grace, a place where the lost will be saved, a place where godly offspring will be discipled to become godly young men and woman who will, in turn, bring the kingdom of God to the earth through the power of their lives in Him. History is being written! This godly family will fill the earth and subdue it according to God’s plan and God’s scepter of righteousness will be extended in the earth!” After the pomp and circumstance has passed, it’s no longer about them, it’s all about Him! His will, His purposes, His desires, His kingdom plan. “Wow, that sounds so heavy, so serious, Denise,” you might say. Yes, it is. If we could see beyond the surface of things, if we could understand our role in the earth, if we could dare to live kingdom lives instead of ‘American lives’ then we would really live. I am so excited about what God is doing and I’m tickled pink that I get to be a part of it.
IT’S A VERY BIG WEEK INDEED!