“And they lived happily ever after” – the ending to a great story.
Just like that he appeared and in a quick glance He won her over.
There was nothing special that she could see but the attraction was undeniable.
After exposing her heart and letting it be drawn to him she found herself unable to resist his Voice.
"Come to the garden and sit for a while."
“Are you thirsty my love?” Time elapsed and their relationship grew stronger.
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38)
In many parts of the world when two become one in marriage, the bridal cup is shared. The cup and its various meanings point to a time shared between two. It’s the “toast", the language derived from Britain. Known as “brindar” in Spain and Italy; “trinquer” in France or “ich bring dir’s” in German meaning “I bring it to you”
So the groom brings the cup to his bride. It’s the loving cup shared by the two.
“And they lived happily ever after.”
Always lurking in the garden are hidden forces that try to bring destruction to the marriage. “Did God really say?” This is the beginning of the dangerous dialogue that brought the demise of mankind. It’s the Groom that offers the cup. It’s the Groom after giving thanks that says, “Drink from it, all of you.” (Matthew 26:27)
“To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part” – a snippet from vows made by two who promise to love and be together as they walk through life's journey.
“In sickness and in health, till death do us part”, says the Bride.
Troubles comes.
Sickness invades.
Dissolution sets in.
The Groom reminds us, “In sickness and in health – till death do us part.”
Unfaithfulness slithers in.
Betrayal becomes our friend.
Shame lingers.
The Groom reminds us, – “Till death do us part.”
The one that invites us to share the cup is the one that also promises “rivers of living water”
Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14b)
He is the one that sticks closer than a brother. He doesn’t plan on leaving us. (Proverbs 18:24b)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Trouble is coming, my Bride; actually it has arrived!
So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. (John 18:3)
Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” (John 18:8-9)
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”(John 18:36)
“Till death do us part.”
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:2-3)
"Till death do us part."
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” (Luke 24:5b-7)
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:21-22)
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)
So many shadows of God’s love for us are everywhere.
He doesn’t leave us.
He doesn’t condemn us.
He is the Loving Groom who chases after his Bride, the Church.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“And they lived happily ever after” – the ending to a great story.
God bless you!~Liz
“The History of Toasting” http://www.weddingzone.net/px-tr011.htm
