Jeremiah 2:2 & 5b “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem: “‘I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved Me and followed Me through the desert, through a land not sown.’” “ . . . They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves.”
Dear Kids:
“Oh, they say when you marry in June you’re a bride all your life, and the bridegroom who married in June gets a sweetheart for a wife.”
These lyrics from the popular 1954 movie, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, play on an ancient tradition. Most June brides of today are ignorant of the fact that this custom came from Roman times.
June Brides Derived From Roman Times
The month of June derived its named from the Roman goddess, Juno. Annually on June 1st worshipers celebrated this deity of marriage and childbirth, and it was believed that those who “tied the knot” during the month of June would experience prosperity and great happiness.
Likely, June brides of our day settle on the date based more on warm weather, flexible work schedules, and sunny vacation spots. But it would behoove every bride to consider what truly makes a healthy and prosperous marriage. All young couples enter life together dreaming of a happily ever after. I doubt there are any who suppose they will “fall out of love” when spring rolls into winter. Yet so often this is exactly what happens!
All Relationships Take Time and Effort
But marriage to an earthly partner is not the only union from which a strong and beautiful connection can fade away. Any relationship worth keeping takes time and effort. This is certainly true when it comes to our relationship with the Lord.
God, through the prophet Jeremiah, plays on the image of young love grown cold to describe His relationship with His people. The lessons learned here apply to our rapport with each other, whether in marriage or otherwise, as well as our rapport with the Lord.
During the honeymoon period the children of Israel had great devotion to the God of their fathers. They followed Him through the wilderness and experienced His great loving care, provision, and protection. But what happened?
Forgetfulness Damages Marriages
As with many marriages today things changed. The people forgot the miraculous escape from Egypt that God had orchestrated. They grew used to the fruitful Promised Land secured by their heavenly Bridegroom. They turned and walked away from all they once cherished to lust after unprofitable things. Even the leaders stopped seeking God and pursued foreign gods!
Jeremiah portrays the heartbreak felt by a jilted lover when the Lord pleads His case and questions the reasons for Judah’s unfaithfulness. These fickle people became dissatisfied and searched for someone and something else to fill their desires. Sadly the search was based on a lie. They forsook God, the fountain of living waters and were left with leaking cisterns.
“When you marry in June, you will be a bride all your life.” This is a worthy goal and hope that Juno, the fictional goddess of love and marriage, can’t produce. June brides are not always successful.
All flourishing marriages, including a vibrant relationship with the Lord, are sustained with attentiveness and by staying connected. So take a lesson from the people of Israel.
Keys to Successful Relationships:
Never forget your initial devotion.
Keep following despite difficulties.
Stay contented with the blessings you have.
Never forsake your first love.
If you do these things, no matter what month you start your relationship, you will have a much better shot at being a bride all your life!
Love,
Mama
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