As I continue to be apart from my dear bride, I cannot help but reflect on the marriage of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards. Edwards is seen as American's premiere theologian. What is less known is the beautiful love story of this couple. They had a union, indeed an 'uncommon union', that is achieved by few, and understood by even less.When the evangelist George Whitefield was in the home of Jonathan Edwards he was impressed by their obvious happiness as a couple. In his diary he record the following:
"Felt great satisfaction in being at the house of Mr. Edwards. A sweeter couple I have not yet seen. Their children were not dressed in silks and satins, but plain, as become the children of those who, in all things, ought to be examples of Christian simplicity. Mrs. Edwards is adorned with a meek and quiet spirit; she talked solidly of the things of God, and seemed to be such a helpmeet of her husband, that she caused me to renew those prayers, which, for some months, I have put to God, that He would be pleased to send me a daughter of Abraham to be my wife."
He so greatly admired this relationship, that this single man actively prayed for something similar to it. Whitefield had witnessed countless other marriage relationships, but they had no appeal to him. He desire wasn't for sex, or even companionship. He desired an intimate sharing of body, soul, and mind.
For many couples, marriage is little more than sharing a bed. For others, the "best" marriage they can imagine is a sharing of a life. But Jonathan and Sarah had something more powerful than this. They shared a spirit, and a commitment to the risen Lord. Over the past 13 years, I'm afraid my wife has been my pastor more than I have been hers. She has offered me counsel and wisdom, and has consistently magnified the name of the Lord. She has prayed for, and rebuked, my sinful faults, and humble submitted to my foolish decisions. Together we have wept over our spiritual failures, and rejoiced at God's generous provisions. Her life is consumed with bringing glory to God, and this is a contagious spirit that has infected our home. I see the radiance of her faith being born in the hearts of my children. Other than my undeserved salvation, God has offer no gift greater than her presence.
When Jonathan died in 1758, Sarah was still in Stockbridge preparing for the move to New Jersey. Edwards' last words were, "Give my kindest love to my dear wife, and tell her that the uncommon union which has so long subsisted between us has been of such a nature as I trust is spiritual and therefore will continue forever."
God has brought me a 'Sarah'. Lord forgive me for failing to be her 'Jonathan'.Lord, forgive me.
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