Marriage Vows (1)
by Malcolm Wood
The recent wedding of an Ellel Team member, and my own wedding anniversary, has given me an opportunity to reflect afresh on the significance of the Covenant of Marriage and particularly the vows or promises traditionally made by those entering into the commitment of the marriage relationship.
The Scripture makes it clear that the relationship which a man and woman enter into as husband and wife is a picture of Christ and His Church, which is described as His Bride. When accepting Christ as Saviour we become members of His body, His Bride, and we’re committed to that special relationship with Him.
To gain a deeper understanding of our personal commitment to Jesus it may help if we look at the wedding vows which are usually said in a Christian context.
The question is posed ‘Will you have this man (or woman)?’
‘Will you?’, ‘Are you willing?’ This implies an intention to do something, in this case ‘to have’ which signifies an experience of special relationship with something or someone – to own, to possess.
This promise of willing surrender is beautifully illustrated on the occasion when Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac. When asked the question, ‘Are you willing to go with this man?’ Rebekah simply replies, ‘Yes I will go’ (Genesis 24:58). For us it often seems so easy to sing ‘All to Jesus I surrender’ but not always that simple to do it.
The question continues, ‘to live together’. It’s a promise to share everyday experiences with each other. This implies an intimate relationship, as it’s only as two people live together that they fully get to know each other – the good things and the not so good things. The ups and downs of daily life are experienced together.
After Mary and Joseph had found the young boy Jesus they went home together (Luke 2:51). As a family they shared daily life together. Isn’t this what Jesus wants each of us to experience with Him? Every detail of our daily lives shared with Him.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that I am part of Your Bride. Help me to surrender those things which I still hold on to and shouldn’t and help me to share every detail of my life with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship. Provided full acknowledgement is made to Seeds of the Kingdom as the source, you are also welcome to use it in a non-commercial way and reproduce it in magazines or other Christian websites. The copyright for any commercial use of the material remains with Ellel Ministries International.
