My friend Sarah met a young man named Rustam on a missions trip to the country of Kazakhstan a few months ago. I am not sure of the details exactly, but they began talking online when she returned and their acquaintance quickly turned into a growing friendship. In the due course of things, their friendship began to get more serious and they finally started dating. I am sure this was difficult for both of them both due to the physical separation and the time difference (something like 10 hours). But as all truly wonderful things go, their relationship blossomed in a healthy and meaningful way. He recently came here for a 2 week visit. During this visit they were able to spend a lot of time together doing various things. They even were able to go on a trip up to Niagara Falls and enjoy a meal at the Skylon Tower. Well, during dinner, Rustam asked her to marry him. In case you didn't already see this coming,...she said "yes!" As her friend, it was very exciting to see Sarah meet someone who complements her personality and life goals so perfectly. I would say that this truly is a match made in heaven.
Sadly, because of their circumstances, Rustam had to return to Kazakhstan for work. He will be returning at the end of June (I assume) for their wedding on July 4. This had to be difficult for both of them - the exciting engagement period has begun, but they are left temporarily alone and yearning for each other's presence. There are of course many things to keep them busy between now and the wedding (namely wedding preparations!) but that doesn't make this process any easier on either of them. Rustam will be preparing for her move to Kazakhstan and she will be preparing for his return and the celebration of their relationship. As I talked with Sarah, I began to realize that this event has changed her perspective on life. She is now living with a more "temporary" perspective. The way she lives and the things she does will all be changing.
But in the midst of her changing life, I see an even more beautiful picture than the story of love between man and woman. I see a deep parallel to the relationship that Christ has with the church. Sarah is excited and expectant for her bridegroom's return. Likewise the church waits expectantly for Christ's return. We yearn for His presence and put our hope on the day that we will become joined to Him again.
Sarah will be working hard to prepare for his return; she is preparing for a true celebration of their love. She must also prepare for what her life will entail after returning with Rustam. And she is even trying to convince some of us to come along and move to Kazakhstan. In the same way, we are trying to prepare ourselves for the celebration of His return. We worship so because that is what we were made to do for all eternity. We show love to one another because we are becoming made more perfectly into the beings that God created us to be. We long to know Christ because in that sacred and intimate knowledge comes eternal life (John 17:3). We spread the news about his imminent return because we want those we care about to be ready too. We want to bring as many people as we can with us!
While she is preparing to leave this place, he will be lovingly preparing a place for her so that she will belong when she arrives. Christ is doing the same thing at this very moment. He is preparing a place for you and I because he loves us and wants us to feel welcome when he comes to take us away. We are not of this world, we belong in another place (Hebrews 11:13-16).
I am confident that in the midst of their separation, their love and desire for each other will increase. It will become stronger. And when they are finally reunited, they will feel more complete, and will feel a deeper gratitude for one another.
I am amazed and in awe of this beautiful picture. There are many more things that can drawn out of this analogy, but I will leave you to ponder it for yourself. Let the mystery of His great love astound you. May you be overwhelmed by His great, redeeming, and perfect love for you.
