Lordship of Christ- Final Chapter

Good morning. If you don’t mind, I am going to bring my discussion of Christ’s Lordship over the Family to a close with a story- a true story of a young couple who love Jesus who “tied the knot” this weekend. To me the story is one of great encouragement because I get depressed when I see what the “views of the world” are doing to the family- God’s basic unit of society. Please don’t lose sight of the fact that it is God who created the family as the foundational institution of culture (Genesis 1:26-31; 2:18-25; which by the way is simply a more detailed account of the original discussion in 1:26-31). The importance of the family is reaffirmed in the fifth command (Exodus 20:12) when Paul, in Ephesians 6:1-2 says that it is the first commandment with a promise. Strong families- solid culture; weak families- unstable culture. As the family goes, so goes the culture! If you don’t believe me, just look around.But to the story! We traveled to Brookhaven, MS this weekend. Ever heard of it? If you are a football fan- you remember Lance Alworth (this probably dates me), who was nicknamed “Bambi” because he was so graceful as a pass receiver. He played professional for San Diego and Dallas. Then there’s Bernie Evers- who as an international business man “cooked” his books and ended up in Federal Prison. By the way, Brookhaven is located on I-55 halfway between Jackson and New Orleans. And my Mom and my brother live there. Great little place.

But we didn’t go to visit them. We were there for my nephew’s wedding. Interesting guy- my nephew. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior in high school and attended Samford (Birmingham, Al) on a tennis scholarship. Great game in which you hit a little fuzzy ball over a net and strive to keep it within the lines (thwarts my creativity). Challenging game but “even when you don’t win any points, you still have love!” And David was good! In fact, he still is! He works as a tennis professional. But most importantly, he loves the Lord dearly and has kept himself pure for the special young lady that the Lord had for him (Exodus 20:14; Matthew 5:27-30).

The young lady whom he was to marry had also grown up in a Christian home. She too because of her love for Jesus had kept herself pure. She was an attractive successful business woman in New Orleans. We are not talking about young folks who have lived in caves, wear sack clothe and ashes, and lived boring, empty lives. No- this good-looking, popular young couple had been living life to its fullest. Both doing well in their occupations. But both were waiting for that special person with whom they were going to spend the remainder of their days. And then really enjoy life to its fullest for now they would be complete (Genesis 2:20-23; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)!

The first real gathering was the Rehearsal Dinner which included family, friends, and the wedding party. Interesting wedding party- no cave men, no sack clothe and ashes, no boring, empty young folks. They were real good looking, fun loving, happy young people who loved Jesus. Talk about fun. And then came the speeches. Yeh, funny stories were shared. Life’s shared experiences were heard. But the tears were shed as each young man and young woman shared how the Lord had used the couple in their lives; discussed the fellowship in Jesus they enjoyed; and encouraged each other in Christ (Colossians 3:16). It was great. I was crying.

For the most part, the ones sharing were successful young men and women who loved Jesus. Yeh, old foggies like the Dads shared and it was obvious that they loved Jesus too. But to see these young folks stand up for Jesus and openly express their love for Him and their love for one another was a blessing! I was excited to think about all these marriages that are being lived under the Lordship of Christ. To think about all the young people who come into contact with these young folks who love Jesus. Just think about it- David and Ginny (each)had an impact for Jesus upon 6 men and 6 women (at least). What if each of these then have an impact upon 6 more; and than 6 more; and it goes on (2 Timothy 2:1-2).

And did they have fun at the reception! Jesus said that He came to gives us life and that in abundance. What a blessing! I was pumped as I watched these young folks laughing, dancing, stuffing their faces with food. It was great! David and Ginny are beginning to experience the joy- yeh, yeh I know that there will be challenges; there will be pain- of a journey together as one. A journey on which Jesus is the center of their relationship (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Remember, it is Jesus who said “that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”

But the greatest blessing for me was to gaze upon the beautiful young lady with me and to be reminded of the 40 years that we have had together in Jesus and, Lord willing, at least, 40 more together under the Lordship of Christ. Praise the Lord! See ya next week