That’s Fresh

It was miraculous.

There was this wedding reception that I had the privilege of attending. It was a truly miraculous reception.

Historically I have attended the ones where those giving speeches don’t understand the concept of time and go awkwardly beyond the point of being humorous to seriously testing the capacity to wait. This particular reception was remarkable in that every single speaker was apt, to the point, witty and done within a reasonable time without anyone having to tell them to wrap it up before the reception turned into a wake.

I told you it was miraculous.

One of the highlights of the miracle for me was the speech given by the groom. Public speaking is not easy and at gatherings of that nature where there’s so much pressure around the whole day, it would be easy to fluff your lines or lack in confidence. This groom however was ease and grace personified. He really was a picture of serenity and peace in a setting used to anxiety and disquiet.

The mood of the speeches had been joyful, light and full of humour and the groom sensed this and offered words in line with the theme. Then he got into talking about his bride and he hit all the right points about her. To such an extent that husbands in the room were seen discreetly taking out notepads, pens and other writing material to carefully grab some of the one-liners for future use. (I might have made a note or two myself, but don’t tell my wife, yeah?)

As he hit sweet line after sweet line in declaring his gratitude to God for being blessed with such a beautiful bride, there was one point where a member of the audience shouted, “That’s fresh!” That line elicited chuckles from the audience as a whole and the groom took it well in his stride.

The comment seemed apt, though. It was as though all those invited were having a fresh experience of love again by the groom’s wise words. Although many were married, it didn’t stop from giving murmurs of assent to the good words they were hearing that made that great love between a husband and wife so special. It was like the love was new all over again even if the wisdom was ancient. Hearing it and seeing it – this was all fresh.

Reflecting on that, I was reminded of what the writer of Lamentations had to remind himself when he considered the tough circumstances he lived in.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24)

Every day is a fresh opportunity to engage with the Ancient of Days. Sure He’s eternal in nature, but His mercies are fresh. He expresses Himself in ways that truly are fresh to those who take the time to experience them for what they are.

It reminds me of the manna experience the people of Israel had in their journey to the promised land. Every day there would be manna just for that day. There was no need to live off the previous day’s manna and there was no point saving up for another day’s manna. Fresh provision for each new day. The only time where they needed to store it was for a day of rest to reflect on the mercies of God together as a community. There’s something about it that declares the Lord who offers the fresh mercies needed to those who would pay attention.

Though we have done nothing to deserve it and there are things we have done that might have merited something of a more severe nature, every day there’s a fresh batch of mercies displaying the great faithfulness of God. Displaying it in the same way that His Son mercifully tends to preparing His bride for the marriage supper of the Lamb.

As the Son beautifies the bride in preparation ready to present her spotless and flawless, there is something about Him doing it that makes me sigh in appreciation of His kindness, gentleness and goodness. His words are so apt and so sweet. He remains so faithful.

It is miraculous.

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden