Life on the Pasture

35 years ago, Ellen and I spoke our marriage vows. I would like to say that I remember every single moment of that celebration service word for word, as well as everything else about that day. Unfortunately, that is not the case. But what I do remember, and will never forget, is the feeling of confidence and contentment that God had joined us together.

Ellen’s dad, Rev. Harvey Wangerin, officiated the service. After walking Ellen down the aisle, He took on his role as Pastor, bringing the Word of the Lord to the occasion. The selected text was Colossians 3:12-17 (NIV), “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” For 35 years, we’ve been striving to live together in that way. Maybe we’ll be blessed with at least 35 more. 

One of the tragic results of the current pandemic is the increase in spousal abuse and strained marriages. The evil one is at work, trying to destroy what Christ would build up. I read today that online porn sites were offering free memberships during this difficult time. Alcohol consumption is up. Undoubtedly illegal substance abuse is as well. 

It seems so obvious. Walk with the Good Shepherd, delight in His care, and when you find yourself going through the darkest of valleys you know the peace of His presence and wonder of His love. If you are blessed with a spouse who follows Jesus with you, support her or him, treating each other as a wondrous gift from God.

But when God does something great, the evil one tries to mess it up. Patience gives way to agitation, gentleness to harsh words, and forgiveness is replaced with a grudge. The one who used to be viewed as a wondrous gift of God is now disposable. Vows taken before an altar where the Lord’s blessing was sought become nothing more than empty words.

So maybe it’s time to come back to the altar and recall the cross and the love of One who would take us as His bride, giving His all for us because He wants us to live with Him for all eternity. Maybe it’s time to remember the One who would come to us each day in the sweetness of His Word and whisper, “Thanks for being My wife.” And as we contemplate that, how can we not go on for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or in health? We go with the One who made it possible to never be parted by death, but instead celebrate the marriage feast of the Lamb.

As Jesus says, “What God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Matthew 19:6b, NIV)

– Pastor Schmidt