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 A
tap at the study door announced a timid and frightened young
couple. Their marriage was "coming apart" -- or so
they thought -- and since I had "performed their
ceremony," they had come to me for help.
The
timid approach fooled me. What should have been an easy
"patch-up" job, grew more complicated as we discussed
the details. Recalling each incident of friction led to charges
of blame, efforts to justify, defense of pride. The situation
was growing steadily worse when, in desperation, I tried the
magic of "first love."
"Please
arise, and stand here," I requested, indicating the exact
spot where they had made their vows. Picking up my Bible, I
stepped into place before them. "And now, will you join
right hands." Then, as they grew silent with their
memories, I reminded them of the pledges they had made
"before God and to one-another" on that eventful day
some months earlier.
Before
my little speech was finished -- maybe I was over-playing my
part in the drama they interrupted to thank me, and hurried out
of the room, hand in hand.
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Perhaps they had heard little of what I
said, but they recalled their own hopes and determinations of
first love, and that was enough.
The
Hebrew writer urged faithfulness by saying, "Call to
remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were
illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions...."
(Heb.10:32-) When we "leave our first love" (Rev.
2:4-f) this must be restored if our union with Christ is to
survive.
When
brethren "go a-gadding" after strange doctrines, human
institutions, the social gospel, etc., they have neglected their
first love -- their espousal to Christ. (2 Cor.11:1-3) They
profit little by tongue-lashings, ridicule, or even sound
high-powered argumentation -- especially if they are so
self-willed as to be no longer interested in the Bible pattern.
Unless their love for and determination to serve Jesus Christ
can be rekindled, all else is vain.
Please
join hands -- with the Lord!
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