Jeremiah 2:2 & 5b — “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem: “‘I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved Me and followed Me through the desert, through a land not sown.’” “Oh, they say when you marry in June you’re a bride all your life/And the bridegroom who married in June gets a sweetheart for a wife!” These lyrics from the popular 1954 movie “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” play on an ancient Roman tradition. Annually on the first day June worshippers celebrated Juno, the goddess of marriage, and childbirth. It was believed those who “tied the knot” during the month of June would experience prosperity and happiness. Likely, today’s brides settle on a June date for other reasons, but it would behoove every couple to consider what makes a prosperous marriage. All young couples dream of a happily ever after. I doubt there are any who suppose they will “fall out of love” when spring rolls into winter. Yet so often, this is what happens. But marriage to an earthly partner is not the only union from which a strong and beautiful connection can fade. Any relationship worth keeping takes time and effort. This is certainly true when it comes to our relationship with the Lord. God, through the prophet Jeremiah, plays on the image of young love grown cold to describe His relationship with His people. The lessons learned here apply to our rapport with our spouse, as well as our rapport with the Lord. During the honeymoon period, God’s people had great devotion to the Lord. They followed Him through the wilderness and experienced His love, provision, and protection. But what happened? As with many marriages today, things changed. The people forgot the miraculous escape from Egypt that God had orchestrated. They grew used to the Promised Land, and walked away from all they once cherished to lust after unprofitable things. Jeremiah portrays the heartbreak of a jilted lover when the Lord questions the reasons for Judah’s unfaithfulness. These fickle people became dissatisfied and searched for something else to fill their desires. They forsook God, the fountain of living waters, and were left with leaking cisterns. “When you marry in June, you will be a bride all your life” – this is a worthy goal that Juno, the fictional goddess of love and marriage, can’t produce. All successful marriages, including a vibrant relationship with the Lord, are sustained with attentiveness. So take a lesson from the people of Israel: •Never forget your initial devotion •Keep following despite difficulties •Stay contented with the blessings you have •Never forsake your first love Follow this Biblical advice and, regardless of which month you choose to marry, you are much more likely to be a bride all your life. Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com |
