This afternoon, a couple will become husband and wife, as they are married at my church.

It will be a special day for her, as every wedding day is for every bride.  A day that they look forward to most of their lives, a day they dream about.  

As we went through the practice for the wedding, I made the comment, that for three of the people in the room, the day is even more important, than it will be for her.   Which indeed grabbed everyone’s attention, for who in a room can a wedding day be more important for, than the bride?

The answer is, for the three children of theirs, who, as the first act the family participates in as a family, will be baptized,  Who will be cleansed of all their sins, pastor, present, and to come. Who will be marked and sealed as the children of God.   For them, this day marks a new beginning, a new moment, a new life.  It is Pentecost – for them.  If you read the Old Testament prophecy of Ezekiel,36:25, you will see what I mean.  You will see it as well in Titus 3:2-8.  

As the couple gets married, promises will be exchanged, vows will be made.  THe same is true in the baptism, as God will make promises that can never be broken.  Marriage is about a loving relationship – so is the baptism.  Marriage is, as the vows say, until death do us part.  But the relationship that is committed to in baptism – that is eternal – He never will leave them or forsake them, He will pour out love and peace and mercy and forgiveness (those things are important too in marriage – but not a powerful or perhaps as abundant)

It’s an interesting question of course, in contemplating what the most important day of one’s life is, and any day we walk with God is incredible (especially if we realize we are!) but our lives change, they come alive, on the day when God cleanses us with water and the promises of His word. 

A day to rejoice in!