When I ask God to forgive me of my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, God made a covenant with me. He made a solemn promise to be my Heavenly Father and adopt me into His family. I was bought and paid for by the blood of His Son Jesus Christ, but that's not all. In John 3:16 Jesus explains, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him would never perish, but have eternal life” (NIV).
Since Jesus used the word “world” in John 3:16 He is offering this gift to all people, not just the elect. If we accepted this gift of Love and declared our commitment to God by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord we start a new life with Him forever and ever. This “forever” does not start when we get to heaven it begins the moment we take His hand in faith. Each new life with Christ is the start of a beautiful eternal existence. A true love story begins when we give our life to Jesus. We become, let's say, “Engaged” to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords Jesus Christ.
God begins to prepare us for the wedding to end all weddings. Isaiah 61:10 tells of this great love, “I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (Bible). Isaiah 62:5 goes on to state, “As a young man marries a young woman, so will your “Builder” marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will God rejoice over you” (NIV). How beautiful is this image of a bride adorned with the eternal promises of salvation and righteousness and waiting to walk the aisle to meet her bridegroom? These promises are for us when we say Yes to Jesus!!
As we wait to walk that aisle there are a few things you can do to help keep your engagement or love story fresh and exciting. The first would be to take the time to get to know your Lord Jesus Christ. Each and everyday read His word (Bible) and pray asking Him to reveal Himself to you more and more through His words. Next praise Him and thank Him for all the blessings and gifts that He has given you. Sharing with others your love story is another way to give Jesus Glory. Being in love naturally make one want to tell anyone who will listen. Next, meditating on the goodness of God and the beauty of His creation helps to keep your commitment strong through the trials of life.
Now I know there is a bit of difference between an earthly engagement and the engagement we have with our Heavenly Father. Jesus will never leave you or call the engagement off. He is steadfast and faithful to the end. So rest assured, Jesus never goes back on His word. Jesus loved us from the beginning and is preparing a place where we will be with Him forever. The love story will never end. Be encouraged brothers and sister!!
Please enjoy The Casting Crowns Wedding Day!!
