United Until Death
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Engaged? For what? That the two may become one. Living together before marriage is a no-no, a big mistake. If you would like God's blessing, and why wouldn't you, why don't you go about it the right way? But then there is another matter. When the two become one, they are fruitful and multiply. Or at least most have a kid or two. What do you want for that child? A house divided can hardly stand. What happens on Sunday morning, if anything at all? It's painful to see loved ones plan for a future while neglecting the future that lasts forever.
When the two become one, differences arise in all sorts of areas, some more or less easy to navigate. Political differences might not be ultimate, but on the other hand, when one party embraces the pagan values of abortion and the rainbow pride, we are talking about the deepest of rifts. Poor JD Vance is married to a Hindu. That's a real problem, especially for his children. I can't imagine the sorrow of a Lutheran married to a Baptist and then not baptizing their children. Most often, when two indifferent, go-to-church a few times a year, people come together, they turn a small faith into a shrug.
Indeed, a loved one told me that if their child would become a Christian, sometime later in life, they would support her. Uh huh. Every day we teach our children. By going to church, by not going to church. By praying, by not praying. Imagine you married a Christian Scientist who did not believe in taking a sick child to the doctor. That's a problem. Now how about a spouse who won't take that child to the Great Physician, the One who alone can cure both body and soul by the death that leads to the resurrection unto life eternal?
No, it's hard enough in such a secular world to be faithful. What a great gift to have a spouse who supports the cause, who's with you, who doesn't need to be dragged to a faithful church, that will lead the way for the sake of children whom both parents love. No, it's not about the destination wedding, or the dresses, or the catering. It's about the God who brings together a man and woman and unites them till death parts them. It's about a Bridegroom who gave up His life for His Bride, the Church. When young people know something about these things, and yet cast them aside, what can be done for them? A diamond ring hardly compensates for the pearl of great price, for the treasure cast aside, for the joy that is lost even as the wedding photographer takes such happy pictures. Ah, but there is a better way.
The Rev. Dr. Peter Scaer is chairman and professor of Exegetical Theology and director of the M.A. program at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Be Informed
A recent attempt to add a “’right’ to abortion to the Delaware Constitution is on pause after failing to receive a necessary vote” before the session ended for the year. Learn more here.
Be Equipped
What was the role of religion in America’s first century? What’s changed and what’s the same today? Dr. Miles Smith of Hillsdale College compares and contrasts in a recent Issues, Etc. podcast.
Be Encouraged
“The One who bore our griefs and carried our sorrows is now seated in sovereign authority over all things. He is not pacing the floor of heaven, wringing His hands. He is reigning. And because He reigns, we can have courage and peace even when our world seems like it’s unraveling before our very eyes.” --Rev. Brian W. Thomas
