I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me. Song of Sol. 7:10 (NIV)
And Jesus said to them, ”The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage.” Luke 20:34-35 (ESV)
“Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. Rev. 19:6-7 (NLT)
Dear Lord Jesus, in our culture, it’s called Valentine’s Day; but on the calendar of grace, it’s just another day for coming alive to the only love that is better than life—the only love that answers the longing of our hearts for inviolate love and perfect intimacy.
Indeed, no human being (or any number of them), no human romance story, no torrid love affair can possibly fill the vacuum inside of us that is uniquely reserved for you. Every dating relationship or marriage brings together two broken people, two redeemed sinners who, ultimately, will not be enough for the other. Even the best marriages are just a hint and whisper of what belonging to you actually means, and gives us.
Jesus, grant us grace to grow a deeper and richer experience of belonging to you, for you are the ultimate Spouse, the one we always wanted—the one with whom we will enjoy perfect intimacy, bliss, and joy forever. Make this good news more than our theology; make it our doxology—our song, passion, and über-delight. We believe; help our unbelief.
When we get disconnected from your pursuit of us, love for us, and delight in us, we grow vulnerable. Temptation looms, discontent festers, and roaming hearts become foolish hearts. Whether we are single or married, Jesus, meet us in our brokenness, weakness, and desires.
Until the day our betrothal becomes the Day of great banqueting (Rev. 19)—the Day we long for more than any other, take us farther up and farther into relationship with you. And help us—free us for loving others as you love us, Jesus. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and tenacious name.
