Rob and Megan Message
Initial remarks:
We are gathered here in the sight of God, and these witnesses to unite Bob and Megan in holy matrimony. As believers in Jesus Christ, they recognize that it was God who instituted marriage. He said, “It is not good for man to be alone. I’ll make a helper suitable for him.”
The God who made and redeemed them also instituted this relationship they are about to enter.
For Bob and Megan, this ceremony today is an affirmation of the love they have for each other. This is also an opportunity for Bob and Megan to share their commitment to each other with the people they consider most important in their lives – those who have loved and supported them throughout their journey.
Prayer:
Let us pray, Father in heaven we call you to be present at this special moment in Megan and Bob’s life. They want their marriage to be clearly centered and founded upon you as their personal God and savior. We pray Lord that the love they have may continue to imitate the love that you have shown us, and may the principles on which they live be the principles that you have laid forth in your word. As the years pass, may their love deepen and mature, and may their home he truly a place of love and joy. Walking together, may they find much more in life than either would have found alone.
These exhortations given, I'd like to share with you the passage I've chosen for you two: Isaiah 55:12
You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
That’s a pretty positive passage, wouldn’t you say. How could you possibly believe that your marriage will reflect these words?
It’s what everybody wants to experience, a relationship in which joy and peace are the words that describe it.
For so many today it’s become an elusive goal. They end up trying to buy their happiness, hoping that if they just can buy enough things, they will experience happiness. It doesn’t take long for it to become obvious that more things, newer things, and prestige in the community, do not suffice.
Many want peace but the only way they seem to be able to find it is by avoiding the conflicts. They try hard, but soon begin to believe that the other person is the reason for their unhappiness.
It is sad that the character of many marriages today is defined as chaotic or self-serving. How is it when their goal is to be cherished by their partner, that they end up hating each other?
The answer is simple, but it is often rejected by one or both partners.
Jesus needs to be central to your marriage.
From the beginning of time, He has wanted to walk with you in a loving relationship. He has created you to be in a loving relationship in which you are blessed and you desire to bless others.
How do you get the peace and joy I talked about in the verse 12...? Before verse 12 Isaiah invites us all to come and seek the Lord. Turn to the Lord for he desires to bless you. The second key is using the word of the Lord because it will not come back to him empty.
It is clear to me that you, Megan and Bob, have worked hard in your previous relationships. As of this day, they are now past. Remember that.
My focus today is on what will help you succeed in your marriage.
Why do I believe you can get peace and joy? First of all you can get this peace and joy, because God wants to bless you. Every day he provides opportunities for you both to join him in his work. There are opportunities every day in which you can bless your partner. There are opportunities every day in which you can nurture each other. There is opportunity to show a love that is patient. Loving when your emotional tank has not been filled by your mate. God invites you both to join him in a purposeful love that bears everything with a triumphant determination.
Use the Word to affirm and build for it will not come back empty.
Secondly, God wants both of you to live in cooperation with the master. Living life as it is meant to be lived. The more you serve him, the more that you will bless each other. The more you Honor your God, the more that you’ll honor each other.
Troubles will come into this relationship, just as they do in every relationship, but they do not need to become the fabric of your marriage. The character of suffering changes, when your eyes are fixed on Jesus. When you know He’s at work in the midst of your relationship, then the struggles that come your way will be seen as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles to your joy and peace. He can turn the evil that happens in your life to your benefit.
Jesus wants to give you the desire of your heart.
Bob, God has brought Megan into your life. Megan, God has brought Bob into your life.
He has done this, so that you will go out in Joy, and be led forth in peace. And the mountains and hills will burst into song before you and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Exchange of Vows
This well-supported couple will now make their promises to each other.
Bob’s Vows:
Megan’s Vows:
Exchange of Rings
Arie: “These rings are visible symbols of your inner bond. May these two rings symbolize the spirit of undying love in the hearts of both of you. As you Megan, place this ring on Bob’s finger repeat after me:
I give this ring in token and in pledge/ of my constant faith and abiding love/ with all that I am/ and all that I will become.
Arie: “Bob as you place this ring on Megan’s finger repeat after me:
I give this ring in token and in pledge/ of my constant faith and abiding love/with all that I am/ and all that I will become.
Pronouncement
These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another in their togetherness. May these two find in each other, the love for which all men and women long. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home that they establish be such a place of sanctuary that man will find there a friend.
And now, by the authority invested in me as a minister of the gospel, I pronounce that you are husband and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those that God has joined together, let no man put assunder.
General blessing
Join with me as we ask God’s blessing on this newly formed family unit. Shall we pray!
Father, we thank you for this beautiful day and thank you for Bob and Megan. We thank you Lord, for you have brought them safely thus far on their journey. We pray that as you joined their hands and hearts together to become husband and wife, that you will bless them. Give them strength and courage as they face all the tasks and decisions that lie before them. We also pray Lord that you bless these rings that he and she wear and may they ever abide in your peace; loving together in unity, love, and happiness with good purpose to do your will. This we pray in your name. Amen.
The Kiss
You may now seal this union by kissing your wife.
Introduction
Arie: -- Now it is my happy privilege to introduce to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Robert De Young.