Hope in the Heartland
I’m going to a royal wedding
Pastor, Gracepoint Church
There was a knot-tying over across the pond.
I didn’t tune into the highbrow hoopla because I have a life and a document called the Declaration of Independence. Besides, it was the weekend of the NFL draft … I mean, hello … priorities, people.
Those who did watch the noble nuptials claim it’s a fairytale come true. It made them feel “something”; besides, it’s a harmless fascination that temporarily transported them from the real world to … somewhere else.
OK, your attitude about the royal ring exchange is not crucial in the long run. But did you know that many people view the church the same way? They see the church service as an event to “watch” once a week. They step out of their “real” world and into the church so they can enjoy the ceremony and the feelings it produces. But deep inside they don’t really believe that it has a relevant connection to their everyday existence.
Others see religion the same way I see the royal family — an irrelevant relic served by unwitting subjects. Is that a fair comparison? No.
Which one — the royal family or the church — did Jesus create? The church (Matthew 16:18). Which one was purchased by the blood of Jesus? The church (Acts 20:28). Over which one is Jesus said to be the head? The church (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23). Where has God chosen to reveal His manifold wisdom? The church (Ephesians 3:10).
There is only one royal wedding that I won’t miss: between Jesus and the church.