Tomorrow millions of people around the world will be watching as Prince Harry and Megan Markle marry at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. But while we rejoice in their marriage, the truth is it won’t last. Not because they won’t live a long and happy life, but simply because Jesus said there will be no marriage in heaven; it’s just for this life. But why?
For the same reason that when I drive to London I follow a succession of signs pointing me to the city centre, but when I arrive the signs disappear. Throughout the Bible marriage is used to illustrate the relationship that God wants with us and every time someone marries it serves as a signpost that points us towards that relationship. In the last book of the Bible the Apostle John is given a vision of the end of time in which he describes the return of Jesus in these words ‘I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.’
We’re right to celebrate with Harry and Megan tomorrow, as their marriage declares to all the world the invitation to us, to join in permanent union with the One true ever living and ever-loving God.
