What is your default tone when you talk about communion? What is your default tone when you talk about marriage? The New Covenant meal and the covenant of marriage are not so unrelated.
It’s fairly easy to appear wise and spiritual by looking a little grumpy and talking about how serious it all is. It’s not hard to say, “Just wait until you see how hard it will be.” And without denying the deep and difficult parts, it is kind of immature and maybe unthankful to talk about God’s gifts like this.
The bread and wine are body and blood. There’s no question about the cost. But what did Jesus purchase? He ransomed people for God from every people from their futile ways ruin order to enjoy freedom from guilt and death as well as fellowship with Him in glory forever. Praise God!
The vows between a husband and wife are to be permanent and exclusive till death do us part. You are hitched to that person, and the road isn’t always smooth. But what is the point? God gave marriage for pleasure and fruitfulness and fellowship. Praise God!
“‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” (Ephesians 5:31-32)
The mystery is “profound,” it is mega/μέγα, it is “great.” It’s not about being big, but about being sublime, of such excellence and grandeur and beauty that it causes special admiration. Our unions of persons and purpose—husband and wife, church and Christ—are blessings more than a burdens, joys not chores. Praise God!