There are many traditions connected with the special day. It is a day dedicated to expressing love to all who are close to us. It often includes giving gifts in many different forms. Some of the most frequently purchased items for this special day include flowers, candy, perfume and other gifts. Cards and letters that express romance or fondness are also popular. Popular dates include dinner and a movie.
The story of St Valentine, for whom the day is named, is interesting. He was a Roman priest in the third century. The culture of that time included much polygamy. Marriage in all forms had been outlawed by the Emperor Claudius II, who felt single men made better soldiers than married men. Valentine encouraged the Christian view of (one man and one woman) marriage. He then secretly performed marriage ceremonies for couples. For this he was later tortured and put to death. Commitment between spouses was his message of true love.
Two centuries before Valentine gave his life so that people could marry; Jesus Christ gave his life in order to ensure the greatest marriage of all. The torture and death of Jesus brought salvation to all who would believe and receive His sacrifice and resurrection. This salvation ensures not only eternal life, but also inclusion in the bride of Christ. Giving instructions to husbands on how to act, the apostle Paul wrote, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless]… This mystery is very great, but I speak concerning [the relation of] Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:25-27, 32 AMP)
Many may wonder why Valentine or even Jesus Christ would make such
a great sacrifice. We get a glimpse of this in what was written about Jesus. “He, for the joy [of
obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is
now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2b AMP) Jesus, the Lamb being sacrificed
for our salvation, looked ahead to the day of which is written, “Let us rejoice and shout
for joy [exulting and triumphant]! Let us celebrate and ascribe to Him glory and honor, for the marriage of
the Lamb [at last] has come, and His bride has prepared herself. She has
been permitted to dress in fine (radiant) linen, dazzling and white—for the
fine linen is (signifies, represents) the righteousness (the upright, just, and
godly living, deeds, and conduct, and right standing with God) of the saints
(God’s holy people). Then [the angel] said to me, Write this down: Blessed
(happy, to be envied) are those who are summoned (invited, called) to the
marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said to me [further], these are the true
words (the genuine and exact declarations) of God.” (Revelation 19:7-9 AMP)
This is truly the greatest expression of love.
Candy, flowers and gifts cannot compare to what Christ has done for us. The
love letter that has been written in the Scripture is far better than any
sentiment found on a card. And the very best comes from our true love, “Every good gift and every
perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father
of all [that gives] light…” (James 1:17a AMP) And time spent with Him is
the most precious of all. The sons of Korah said it best, “For a day in Your courts
is better than a thousand [anywhere else];” (Psalm 84:10a AMP)
Show
love to those around you this Valentine’s Day. Be sure to take time everyday to
express and receive the greatest love from the lover of your soul. And always remember…“For your Maker is your
Husband—the Lord of hosts is His name—and the Holy One of Israel is your
Redeemer; the God of the whole earth He is called.” (Isaiah 54:5 AMP)
No comments:
Post a Comment