Marriage of Lisa and Eric

October 22, 2016
Song of Solomon 2:10-13; 8:6-7
Colossians 3:12-17
Mark 10:6-9, 13-16

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

So, we’ve gathered here on this most happy occasion.  And I am well aware that you did not come here today to hear me preach.  Which is good, because I did not come here to preach at you either.  So, we’re all on the same page.  But it does fall to me to say something about the lessons we just heard, and the marriage we’re about to witness.

The first part of that gospel you just heard, the part about a man shall leave his parents and be joined to his wife, and two shall become one flesh . . . you’ve probably heard that before.  And if you’ve ever seen a wedding, even in a movie, then you’ve definitely heard the phrase, “What God has joined together, let no one separate.”

But what might have struck you as odd is how the reading then skipped ahead to the disciples of Jesus trying to keep him from blessing the children who were coming to him.  What’s up with that, right?  And how is that possibly tied to a woman and a man leaving home and being joined as one?  Well, the clue comes from what Jesus says after saying to let the children come to him.

Jesus tells the disciples, “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  In other words, he is telling them—and us—the importance of accepting blessings as they are.  Without overanalyzing and bringing our adult cynicism and doubt into the room.  He is telling them—and us—that despite what you may think, Jesus welcomes the children.  Jesus welcomes everybody.  He is telling them—and us—that a better world is possible.  A world where a couple decides to join hands and then promises to support one another, to love one another, to walk into the future together, for better or for worse.

Today, for Lisa and Eric, they are stepping into the unknown.  And since none of us can know what the future holds, they are stepping into life together just as a child steps into the unknown.  Jesus might now say to them, “Truly I tell you, whoever does not step into marriage like a little child will never enter it.”

And can you see why that is?  There are a thousand reasons to tell people not to get married.  Statistics, and personal stories, and societal “grown up” cynicism.  But there are plenty of better reasons to risk joining together . . . in hope, in love, and with God’s blessing.  Jesus might also say to us today:  “Let Eric and Lisa come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”  What God has joined together, let no one separate. 

Lisa and Eric, we wish you every happiness, and a long life together.

Amen.