WEDDINGS AND ROYALTY.

---A wedding took place in the city of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. Jesus and His disciples had been invited too.  John 2:1,2

Whose wedding was this? Were the couple friends of Jesus from childhood? We are told that his mother was invited, and as an addition, Jesus and his disciple had also been asked to attend. Mary knew from His birth that her son was an exceptional person, and she probably wanted people to know just how special He was. Did she think back to the day of purification in the Temple when Simeon had blessed them, and said, “Lord, now I can die content! --- I have seen the Saviour You have given to the world.” And to Mary, he had confided, “A sword shall pierce your soul, for this child shall be rejected by many in Israel, and this to their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy of many others. And the deepest thoughts of many hearts shall be revealed.” (The Living Bible)

That same day the prophetess, Anna, gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2: 38.

Then, when Jesus was 12 years old and the family had travelled to Jerusalem, He had disappeared, and only after more than 3 days had they found Him in the Temple discussing deep questions with teachers of the Law. When they had reprimanded Him, His reply was, “Didn’t you know that I had to be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:49

Were all these things on her heart, now that He had reached adulthood and was showing signs of being a great leader and teacher? She must have seen how He was gathering followers, and wondering what was in store for them all. Was she trying to precipitate His ministry? What gave her the assurance of Jesus’ provision for the wedding guests, and the confidence to say to those waiting on them, “Do as He tells you”? Yes, Jesus certainly played a major role in that wedding!

Recently there were two weddings that I was specifically involved with, one only by prayer and the other by prayer and presence. Many more people were involved in the one – specifically the wedding of Prince William to his Kate, while the other was not televised, but more intimate, and was the joining together of two children of the King of Kings.

Which was the more royal?

My prayer for William and Kate is that they will recognise and submit to the King before whom they made their promises.  People all over the world watched as first William and then Kate repeated after the archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, the solemn words of their vows as strictly laid down  according to Anglican protocol in the Book of Prayer.

It was encouraging that they had written a prayer to be read by the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, on their behalf. They asked for spiritual help to guide them through their new life together. "In the busyness of each day keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy.
Strengthened by our union help us to serve and comfort those who suffer. We ask this in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen”

May they learn the true reality and importance of their lives, and how submission to Christ can be their strength.

There has been much discussion on and comparison between the late Princess Diana, William’s mother, and his bride, Princess Catherine. The British public seem set to make Kate the icon of hope, and all she does will be acclaimed and commented on. She appears set to eclipse the popularity enjoyed by Diana, but my prayer remains that she will serve the King, Jesus Christ, before the masses. Brother Lawrence, Mother Theresa, Princess Diana all appeared to place good works on their agenda of service, and their claim of righteousness, but far more important is the personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord which is attained by a confession of one’s own inability to please God, and an acceptance of the price paid on the cross for those who believe.  

More than 2 billion people watched the royal wedding, and I wonder how many would have been drawn to Christianity, and how many will be encouraged to place their faith in Christ in the future ministry of the two.

The wedding where I was a guest was a joining together of two hearts united in their commitment to Christ, and in a simple but profound ceremony promises were made to love and honour their Lord. Good works will surely follow, but their commitment to God was in dependence of His ability to sustain them, so whatever follows will be by His leading. Everyone present was aware of the Presence of God in that place, as His children made their vows.

My prayer for them is that they will Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1,2. For, Just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing of water through the Word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:26.27.

We, as part of that church become His Bride. What wonders await the Bride of Christ, a new heaven, a new earth, the new Jerusalem, coming down our of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. Revelation 21:2

At the wedding in Cana, water tasted like the finest wine.

The Spirit and the bride say “Come!” And let him who hears say “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. Revelation 22:17