A Sighting of What Was Thought To Be Extinct

No, it wasn’t a fish, a butterfly, or an exotic bird. Although, many have considered a Christian who is obedient and faithful to the will of God to be a “strange bird”.

Witnessing as a relationship began to form a couple of years ago or so, between a young man and a young lady. And, then as some time went by an announcement was made in church...that this couple was entering into a courtship, and wanted to keep themselves accountable to the church. Keeping their parents involved every step of the way. Also, requesting that the Elders of the church would hold them accountable in their actions and behaviours.

Never would anyone see any inappropriate behaviour, comments, or looks that would cause anyone to have concerns if these two found themselves alone. Not that there seemed to be much time out of the public eye, as they knew that no one is exempt from temptation when placed in the wrong environment. Two people that kept themselves apart and yet it looked as though their hearts were closer than most people you see in this so called “dating” culture that we are in.

Eventually we heard the announcement, they were engaged. At this point, I believe some would have expected a frequent display of smooching, hugging, and the usual draping over each other. However, the same care and discipline continued on. What an odd pair of birds these were. Seeing so many other couples in this stage of their relationship, like doves among seagulls.

I’m sure though, that some would have thought to themselves, “it’s a fine public display, but what goes on in private we can’t see”. Well, the day of the wedding came, and what a fine wedding it was. For the wedding was saturated with Jesus Christ...hmmm...just as their relationship had been. Their discipline with each other, and their discipline in attending the weekly Bible Study, teaching Sunday School, and involvement in the ministries of the church. Does not sound like typical young people. However, here they were, standing at the altar, and beyond their desire for each other and for this day of marriage to come...they had a desire that the gospel would be shared this day. Then...then, it was also shared that this couple had made a covenant with each other. A covenant, that they would only have their first kiss on their wedding day.

In our day and age, this is rarely seen even among so-called Christian youth. All the glory belongs to our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. But all the commandments and all the power is there in the Word of God, it just requires that we believe God, and are faithful to His Word. So many young people give into temptation because they want to live as close to the edge as possible, and eventually fall. And so many times you hear the justifying comments, "well, we plan on getting married anyway and will be husband and wife". But you just don't know. Many couples end up taking a half a dozen ex boyfriends and girlfriends into their marriage with them. And they not only carry the memories and emotions with them, they also leave something of themselves behind. And may have robbed someone else of that first kiss, which should have been reserved.

May God give us many more of these birds that many though were extinct. But there has been a sighting of a couple, and they were beautiful. A pure white flowing gown, and finally a beautiful and honest example of what the bride of Christ, the Church, is in Jesus Christ. That Jesus Christ alone would be praised and glorified even in these two. Even so, that this union would be blessed and sanctified as it speaks louder of the worth of Christ than that of many preachers or the empty words of professing believers.

2Ti 2:22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Heb 13:4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

1Co 7:1-2 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman." But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.

Pro 5:15-20 Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love. Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?