The Father’s Toast

It is time for you to put on your anthropomorphic blanket of grace.  We love to impress human images on God in an effort to bring definition to His character.  Sometimes our depictions skirt the line between good theology and wishful thinking.  I hope this final section of our time together will reflect the former.

Traditionally, the first toast at a wedding reception is given by the father of the bride.  In it he typically thanks his guests for attending the reception, shares something personal about his daughter and offers a blessing to the newly married couple.

I like to think of God in this role.  His position is unique in that He is both the Father and the Groom.  We are also unique since we are a corporate Bride, yet many.  If you have a hard time seeing God with a toast glass in His hand, then you might remember another scene where the Groom held a cup and said, “Drink from it, all of you. ²⁸ This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. ²⁹ I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:27-29).  I always assumed Jesus was talking here about the practice of taking communion in the church, but recently I have wondered if He was thinking of the wedding feast at the end of the long walk of love.  Was He reassuring His disciples with the promise they would one day toast their victory together when the new heaven and new earth were revealed?

I would also like to backtrack a bit with this toast metaphor.  I know I am asking a lot since I am probably already on thin ice with the whole idea.  But it is important to remember our victory has already been won at Calvary, and if we are in Christ we are tasting eternity as we journey.  This means we don’t have to wait until the wedding feast to receive our blessing.  God is already brooding over his Bride, proclaiming His love for her to the world and offering her His best.  Grant me the opportunity to share my best representation of His heart as I place what He has already told us in this context.