A Gospel Marriage

I’ll be officiating several weddings in the next month. Not an uncommon activity for pastors at Mars Hill—we have upwards of 200 weddings per year (the photo is from one of these wedding's past). I love it. What a picture of the gospel, what a picture of God’s grace, and what a testimony to the watching world as Jesus unites these couples and as they handle extended relational drama that sometimes unfolds around the event.

A Father’s Sin

My first wedding of the season was last weekend. Leading up to the big day, I got to know the young couple and I was heartbroken to learn that the young woman’s father—a pastor, no less—abandoned the family when his daughter was 20 years old. Due to our sin, no man comes close to the perfection of Jesus and his love for his bride (the church), or of the Father and his love for his children. But this man completely abdicated his responsibility as a father, indulging his own selfish inclinations rather than loving his family. The guy took off, and—by his choice—his daughter didn’t see him for five years.

A Daughter’s Response

Despite her father's profound betrayal, the grace she extended him is nothing short of miraculous. This young woman invited her estranged father to the ceremony last weekend—even asked him to walk her down the aisle. Much to her surprise and delight, he actually showed up. After the better part of a decade, the two of them began the difficult but joyful road of repentance, reconciliation, and restoration of their relationship.

A Father’s Love

God’s grace in this situation is absolutely beautiful, and I was honored to witness it firsthand. Regardless of where things go from here, however, I’m thankful that this young woman—a new bride—has a Heavenly Father who adopts all of his kids as forgiven children of the one true God (Gal. 4:4–5). I pray that she would know the depth of his love, security, generosity, and affection. I once heard C.J. Mahaney describe it this way: "To be right with God the judge is a great thing. To be loved and cared for by God the Father is greater." God doesn’t just stop at the justification of our sins; he opens his arms as a loving Dad. Find Pastor Jamie on Facebook and Twittter.