"Imperfect people Serving a Perfect God"
Dateline: The Iron Anniversary
Praise God Almighty Brittany and I recently celebrated 6 years of marriage. As I think back to the preparation for our wedding day, I remember asking Brittany if I should wear a white tuxedo coat to distinguish myself from the groomsmen. Her answer, "The only one wearing white on that day is me. I earned the right to wear a white wedding dress." Needless to say I was a man in black on June 8 2007.
In martial arts tradition the first belt given is a white belt. Over time the belt gradually darkens to brown, then black, after many years of practice, wear, and tear. Eventually the "black belt" becomes "white" again as the fabric becomes frayed and worn to the fullest extent possible. Thus the practitioner once again possesses a white belt. In hindsight, on my wedding day, only a white coat of this type would have been appropriate for a blessed wretch like me.
Brittany did earn the right to wear white on her wedding day and a martial arts master earns the right to a "white belt." Although I would maintain that Brittany's was a much harder fought battle than any martial artist could ever face (and I have read stories of such men fighting charging bulls and even typhoons with their bare hands!).
All this talk about white garments has me thinking about the white robe Jesus Christ has for every one of us who knows Him as Lord and Savior. It is a robe He earned and freely gives away. It is not a robe threadbare from usage but one perfectly tailored and preserved for the Bride of Christ. Our eternal innocence is not gained by experience, resistance, will-power, or practice but by the love, mercy, and grace of God Almighty. As beautiful as a bride is on her wedding day (especially Brittany- I look at the pictures every day in our home) imagine what she will look like when she meets Jesus while wearing her new robe. Matter of fact, I can't wait to put on my own!
