Scripture: Genesis 23-24
This morning we have an amazing story from the book of Genesis. A wedding proposal and a match made in heaven.The wedding website “TheKnot.com” has a list of 58 Most Romantic Ways to Propose. Back in the 1980s we didn’t have the internet or the pressure of social media to pull off the best marriage proposal. But I was thankful that my mom knew a jeweler in Manhattan’s diamond district and with the sparkling backdrop of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, I got on one knee to ask a beautiful young lady to be my wife forever. After careful consideration, Cindi said “Yes!”
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
– Ephesians 5:31-33 ESV
The Will of the Father
The Witness of the Servant
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
– Ephesians 1:13-14 ESV
The Willing Bride
Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.
In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
– Ephesians 1:14-5 ESV
The Welcome of the Bridegroom
CLOSING
The story of Isaac and Rebekah coming together is a beautiful love story where a young girl in a far off land is promised a home, wealth, and a husband. God’s redemption plan from the beginning of time, is to save us from this far off land and bring us home to His great riches and glory in heaven.
Maybe you haven’t experienced the perfect love story or you’ve been hurt too many times in relationships to trust anyone again. God’s love for you is perfect. It accepts you right where you are. It is unconditional. It is forgiving. It wants only the best for you.
If you hear and understand this invitation, The Holy Spirit, is calling you to trust Him and accept God’s gift of His Son, Jesus Christ who died for you and lives again to offer you a new life with Him and an ultimate home for eternity. You are loved by God and He invites you into a relationship with Him. Will you say “yes” today? Come talk to me after the service if you’re ready.
Believers, we are God’s servants who, with the help of the Holy Spirit, are called to invite others to the wedding feast. All are welcome and we should be going into the highways and side streets to share that invitation. Don’t come to the wedding alone – Bring some guests with you!
