Really enjoyed this, even though I dread (earthly) weddings.
Even though I am not worthy, Jesus gave his life that I may be a member of that special wedding.
I'm also reminded of the cultural practice of a father choosing a bride for his son, and arranging payment for her to her father. Once redeemed, the father presents the bride to his son.
The Father, before the foundation of the world, chose a Bride for His Son, and arranged payment for the Bride by the giving of His Son on the cross to redeem her from her master...sin...and her father the Devil.
Ephesians 1:4
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:(KJV)
John 17:6
6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. (ESV)
John 17:20-23
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. (ESV)
We are that Bride!
I love the words to this song:
Casting Crowns--Wedding Day