It’s hard to remember now the days of only two or three television channels to choose from, isn’t it? Now we have thirty or forty to choose from even if we haven’t got satellite television as well. I suppose with the coming of multi-channel television, however, there was always going to be a lowering of quality. I couldn’t help thinking that as I chanced on a programme on one of those extra channels the other week.
It is called ‘Don’t tell the Bride’. Perhaps you have seen it, but if you haven’t, it takes as its premise the ludicrous idea of a groom being given total control of his wedding day. To be on the show, he and his bride have to agree that she will know nothing about the day until it arrives. The venue for the ceremony and reception, the flowers, colour of the bridesmaid dresses, even the design of the wedding dress itself is determined by him alone. It’s hard to think that anybody would allow their special day to be organised like that, but with the TV company footing the bill, and the chance for fifteen minutes of fame, it’s surprising how many people agree to it. Thankfully, I couldn’t imagine Linda letting me choose her wedding dress, but I’m sure she would have looked great walking down the aisle in a Newport County top!
Perhaps one of the reasons why I found it uncomfortable viewing is the fact that the Bible has much to say about the seriousness with which marriage is to be approached. That is not surprising, because marriage is, after all, God’s idea. He has given it to us as the basis of the family and of society. One of the Ten Commandments is given over to protecting its sanctity. That, of course, is why no politician should be foolish or arrogant enough to think he can redefine it. Sadly we live in a day when marriage, if it is considered at all, is often treated as a light thing which can be entered upon thoughtlessly, and finished with just as casually. Maybe television shows like this are a by-product of such thinking.
But then as I watched the programme I thought of something else from the Scriptures. Marriage in the Bible is often used as a picture of the relationship between God and His people, between the Lord Jesus Christ and the church. Perhaps Song of Solomon and Ephesians 5 spring readily to mind. Because of that the last book of the Bible, Revelation, ends with a marriage. That is because the whole of human history will end with a marriage and a wonderful banquet to follow. In Revelation 21:2, the church is pictured as a beautiful and complete bride, ready to be joined with the Lord Jesus for eternity together. The church will be more beautiful and pure than any bride has ever been. And that too will be all because of the Bridegroom. He doesn’t just choose the outfit she will be wearing, but provides it Himself, through His sacrificial death. She, that is, the church, will be clothed in His righteousness. All our sins forgiven and paid for at the cross, we will be covered by His perfection. That’s the wedding to end all weddings.
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