December 3, 2010
Truth Connections
Devotions for Parents on the Go
Value What God Values,  Part Three: The Result
Background Passages: Isaiah 61:1-11
Today's Focal Passage:

10 I greatly rejoice in the LORD, I exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a turban and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its growth,and as a garden enables what is sown to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.
Isaiah 61:10-11, HCSB
The Wedding Dress

   I will never forget the first sight of my bride on our wedding day. She had a certain radiance and glow about her that was beauty in its truest form. Everything about her was perfect.
   Nearly every little girl dreams of her wedding day. Often, girls make plans long before there is even a hint of a wedding in their future. My wife and I had dated for three years before I finally proposed. She would tell you it seemed like an eternity. During this time, she worked for a formals shop and spent hours looking through catalogs of dresses and trying on actual dresses in the store. Having the perfect dress is key to any bride and wedding day celebration. Needless to say, when I popped the question, my wife was more than ready to purchase the dress she had been eyeing for some time.
   Attire for our wedding day even became a big deal for me. I still remember combing through picture upon picture of tuxedos and the many accessories that go with them. There were so many decisions to make. But, I wanted to look the best I could for my wife- to-be.
   Why did we spend so much time concerned with what we would wear? We wanted everything to be just right on the day that we would publicly confess our love for one another, pledge our vows to each other, and form a covenant relationship.
   The wedding garments in today's verse suggest the special relationship between God and His people. When we accept Christ and publicly profess our faith in Him, a covenant relationship has formed. He wants all nations to see and accept this special relationship with His people and praise Him. If we do not share this with others, who will and how will others find this special relationship?


Kyle Cravens
Think It Through

Think back to your wedding day. What did you wear on that day? How long did it take to select your outfit?
Do you have a covenant relationship with the Lord? Are you wrapped in salvation and righteousness?
Who do you need to tell about this special relationship?
How would you rate your marriage? Is it a picture of God's love and heart toward us?

 Read also Jeremiah 31:31-37; Hebrews 8:1-9:28; Ephesians 5:22-32, Colossians 3:12-14.