Chris and Maria Clarke

Chris and Mariah,

first off congratulations to both of you. What it an honor it is to participate this evening. If we look to the world, marriage vows are often treated with the significance of signing a document with a pencil, something that can fade or be erased.

However today in our church we learned the significance of what covenant is. Marriage in my opinion is the greatest symbol of covenant. As Jesus (the bride-groom) has established his covenant with His people (the bride). You have also entered into a covenant with each other to withstand the test of time.

I’ve officiated weddings with young couples starry eyed vowing to love and support each other through thick and thin, but not fully grasping what roads they might face. Being married for 25 years I can’t imagine there haven’t been storms and trials, and yet you still stand before each of us as a testament of God’s faithfulness in your lives and also your own love and dedication to each other.

However, can I ask you, judgment free zone. Has there ever been a misunderstanding? Has there ever been a dispute? Have you ever done something with good intentions but then paid for it dearly?

There was a family squabble in the Bible, a great misunderstanding.

Toward the end of the book of Joshua in the Old Testament as the children of Israel are settling in the promised land after journeying for decades, Joshua, in the twilight of his years as leader warns the 12 tribes of Israel to remember what is sacred. To not lust after what the surrounding nations had to remember their God always and what He had done for them. He re-establishes their covenant with God. They renewed their vows if you will. They promised to never not have idols or worship any graven images. They promised to follow God in sickness and in health and teach their children about the God of Israel.

However, almost immediately following this renewal of the covenant there was internal strife and civil war almost broke out. You see the tribes that had settled closest to the river Jordan, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half tribe of Manassah erected a large stone altar that could be seen from far off.

The other tribes began to whisper and become very upset, they had just renewed their covenant with God and yet they witness their brothers by the river erecting what seemed to be a form of false worship. They sent ambassadors from their tribes to find the meaning of this before war might break out among them.

The reality was discovered though the altar that was built was no pagan idol. It was because they felt a bit cut off from the other tribes they wanted a symbol of the promise right in their yard. They wanted all the surrounding nations and tribes to know their homeland was a place that served the one true God.

With great joy the ambassadors accepted this explanation, and immediately carried back the tidings to those who sent them. All thoughts of war were dismissed, and the people united in rejoicing, and praise to God.

The children of Gad and Reuben now placed upon their altar an inscription pointing out the purpose for which it was erected; and they said, “It shall be a witness between us that Jehovah is God.”

Chris and Maria. What is your witness? What is your altar that can be seen by all your friends, family, co-workers, and laborers in the faith?

May your witness and altar be your love. Your love for each other and for those whom come in contact with. As you renew your covenant and vows to love one another. May everyone clearly know your faithfulness to each other is a direct response to your acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness to you as well your faith in Him.

Remember the immortal words of the great leader and commander Joshua to his family the 12 tribes of Israel. “Choose this day whom you will serve, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Now its your turn to renew your vows and covenant to each other. Mariah, I’ll start with you.

Mariah do you today renew your vow to love, honor, and support your husband, in sickness and in health, in good times and hard times? Will you stand by Chris your husband and vow to among witnesses to continue to love him as his wife for the rest of your lives?

Chris do you today renew your vow to love, honor, and support your wife Maria, in sickness and in health, in good times and hard times? Will you stand by Mariah your wife and vow to among witnesses to continue to love her as her husband for the rest of your lives?

Let the renewal of your vows now serve as a testament to everyone standing witness of what well you draw your love from.

Chris you may kiss your wife!

What God has joined, let no man separate!