First the reflective. A couple weeks ago I got to be a part of the wedding of two very close friends. I've known Anne Weaver and Bob Kessler for almost 10 years now, and I have been so blessed by their friendship. I don't really like the term "best friend," because it feels like I have to choose a winner for the "friendship contest." But these two people are the closest I come to having "best friends." I've gotten to walk with them through most of their long courtship; I've hurt with them and rejoiced with them all along the way, and was so excited to hear about their engagement last year. Celebrating the beginning of their marriage and just being together with them is something I've been looking forward to all year, even if it meant cutting my possible time in Wales a little bit short. It was such a blessed weekend as I not only got to rejoice with Bob and Anne, but also with so many friends I haven't seen in a long time.
I'm sure Bob and Anne probably got tired of hearing the word "finally" during the weekend (it was a rather long courtship, after all), even as I got tired of hearing that I had "flown all the way from Wales to be at the wedding" (though, of course, there is some truth in that). The long wait, along with the celebration, have gotten me thinking about something else. Christ's return and the redemption of Heaven and Earth are described as a wedding in Revelation. Jesus is the groom and the Church (His people) is the bride. It is a powerful image to me, and the Kessler/Weaver wedding (among others) has given me deeper insight into what God is doing. That wedding (God's with His people) will be the greatest party and the most satisfying feast. And we're in it! We are both bride and bridesmaid: bride because we are lovingly redeemed by Christ; bridesmaid because we also celebrate alongside others who are united with Christ. I got to experience what it is like to be a friend of the bride/groom this past week and it has given me a much deeper appreciation of several different verses in Scripture (i.e. John 3:29-30). It also has given me a better comprehension of what the wait for Jesus' return is all about. In one sense our wait for Jesus' return is Him continuing the long courtship, or perhaps the extended engagement, for God has very much already decided on us. Perhaps we are the ones who are still struggling somewhat with indecision. Bob and Anne's courtship was long, but as I reflect on what I know of it, I can't see that it would have been better any other way. Maybe God's (very) long courtship is the same way.
Now for the informative bit. As I mentioned, I am back from Newport and continuing to work towards a religious worker visa so that I can stay for a more extended time period. Please continue to pray for me and for the Church as we try to work towards this together. As I work and wait towards this end, I wanted to let you know what I'm doing this summer. After a good bit of prayer and consideration I decided to rejoin North Raleigh Church of Christ for the summer. I am continuing to work with them as an interim youth and family minister. They are moving through a difficult time of transition (continuing to search for a youth minister and now with their pulpit minister retiring) and could probably use all the help they can get. Please pray also for them in this time of transition: that they would trust God, seek renewal, and draw together in love. Also pray for me as I seek to serve them well.
Just thought I'd try to share with you from several different angles here as the summer begins. I will try to continue posting to keep you updated and share what I'm contemplating.
Sincerely in Christ,
Chris
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