A father's story challenging us to pursue Christ with the same joyful commitment as a bride to her groom.
A little over a week ago, my wife and I gathered with family and friends to celebrate the wedding of our daughter Emma. The week leading up to the wedding was a whirlwind of activity, attending to all the last-minute details. With the help of an army of volunteers, the wedding day came, and all was ready.
During that last week before a wedding, the bride and groom often become the recipients of plenty of pre-wedding advice. A few of those comments seemed to follow a certain theme:
“There’s still time to change your mind.”
“It’s not too late. Do you want me to bring you a pair of running shoes?”
“There is still time to run away.”
These comments are intended to carry a little humor mixed with a little truth.
The morning of the wedding came, and I had the honor of getting a “First Look” with Emma in her wedding dress before the ceremony. No matter how much I had tried to prepare myself, I was overcome by the moment. There was our Emma, a beautiful bride. In a short time, I would hand her off to a young man who has dedicated his life to Jesus and who I believed would take care of her, cherish her, provide for her, and honor her. As Emma and I hugged and visited for a few moments, I asked her if she was ready, admitting that I was not quite ready to let her go but was so excited about what God was doing in her life. During our conversation, it became evident that she had heard some comments like the ones listed above: “It’s not too late to run.” I can still hear her incredulous response, “Why would I do that? I am running TO this man!”
Later, as I was thinking about that conversation and Emma’s unwavering commitment to Shane, I was reminded how the Scriptures refer to the church, to us as believers, as the Bride of Christ. We are the bride, and Christ is our groom. I was convicted as I considered the question, “Am I running toward Jesus?” What does that look like?
I believe it is seeking to know and learn as much as I can about the God who created everything. It is spending quality time with my Savior throughout the day, reading the Word, and praying. Sharing my joys, sorrows, and dreams with the One who humbled Himself and walked as a man, like I am. Seeking the counsel of my God who Was and Is and Is to Come in the decisions I make each day. Honoring Him with my thoughts, actions, and words, because He is worthy.
As I consider what it means to run toward Jesus, I am reminded of the story in John chapter 6. After Jesus presented some challenging teaching, many of His followers turned back and no longer followed Him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:67-69
Let’s join the Apostles and lace up our shoes each day and run to our Redeemer. Run towards Jesus – He has the Words of Life!
- Eric Tremaine ‘91, Director of Facilities