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 deep longing of our hearts for perfect intimacy.
Indeed, no human being (or any number of them), no great romance, no torrid love affair can fill the vacuum inside, uniquely reserved for you. Even the best relationships are just a hint and whisper of what belonging to you actually means.
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 connection, bliss, and joy forever. Make this good news more than our theology; make it our doxology—our song of joy and über-delight.
Restore to us the joy of our salvation, and the love we had when we first come to know you. For when we get disconnected from your delight in us, we grow vulnerable. Temptation looms and discontent festers, and roaming hearts become foolish hearts.
Until the day our betrothal to you becomes the Day of great banqueting with you (Rev. 19)—the Day for which we long, take us farther up and farther into relationship with you. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and tenacious name.
