As is...

Recently, I was reminded by Rev. G.L. Edmond of this story by an anonymous writer.  Picture it, the day for the wedding of the century finally arrived.  I'm talking about a Prince William and Kate Middleton type wedding.  The church was beautifully decorated with fragrant flowers, ribbons and candles.  The guests started to arrive.  Finally, the bridegroom, his attendants and the officiating minister walked into the sanctuary and stood near the chancel.  A teenager leaned in to her friend and said, "My oh my, he sure is handsome."  Then an another lady on another pew said to her girlfriend, the groom looks good.  And yet another lady said, "he sure is a fine specimen of chocolate debonair."   

The parents of the bride and groom were seated and the bridesmaids and attendants entered the sanctuary to Ave Maria and Jesu, Joy of man's desiring. Then the moment finally came.  The entrance of the bride was announced by a jubilant bell ringer in a taffeta dress.  On cue, the organist and the trumpeter began to play the processional voluntary for the bride, and the entire body of witnesses stood to get a glimpse of this bride.  As the doors of the church opened, the bride made her entrance.  Her dress and veil were elegant, made from the purest and finest white fabrics.  Her hair and make-up were impeccable.  She was a beautiful sight to behold.  As she began to walk into the church, she immediately fell face forward on the hardwood floors of the church.  There was a collective gasp of shock and horror from the attendees and an abrupt pause in music.  How horrible to fall on your face on your wedding day.

After a few moments, the bride got up and limped down the aisle.  The organist and the trumpeter began to play again.  Her dress was now torn and tattered.  Her hair out of place and mascara running from her tears of embarrassment.  Her body was now bruised.  However as soon as she got to the altar, the bridegroom, as handsome, fine and cocolicious as he was, embraced her, kissed her and went through with the wedding rite with her.  Who would want to spend their wedding consummation night with such a mess?  The bridegroom accepted his new bride "As Is."

Brothers and sisters, that bride represents us, the body of Christ and the bridegroom represents Christ.  When you buy "as is" or clearance merchandise, all sales are final, no exchanges or refunds, end of discussion.  The moral of the story is that we are all damaged goods, but Jesus, in his great mercy loves us "as is."  We are all messed up in some manner.  But are accepted and loved "as is."  What is your "as is" imperfection, a cruel tongue, mess-stirrer, home wrecker, wife beater, skirt chaser, men chaser?  Remember that Jesus loves us "as is," and meets us where we are, even though we don't deserve it.  We are all products of grace. The grace of God is always sufficient.  Enjoy your wedding reception.

Peace,
Karsten