Marriage Representative
Dowry ceremony
Photo credit: A. J. Medley
“But we see Jesus, who has made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by grace of God, might taste death for everyone.”
– Hebrews 2:9 NKJV
While I was in Kenya, a member of my host family and I took a weekend trip to a village in Kisumu. Getting to Kisumu from Nairobi by ground was an adventure in itself. We took an 18-hour overnight bus ride, a three-hour drive in a matatu (an informal bus), another one and half hour drive in a probox (similar to a station wagon), and a 45-minute ride on a motor bike. Whew, just thinking about it is exhausting. But I’m glad we took the trek to witness a dowry ceremony between a bride and groom.
I was fascinated by the thorough negotiations between the elders representing the groom’s and bride’s families to make sure the marriage agreement was beneficial for both sides. I was also intrigued by the food goods and livestock (yes, there were goats and a cow) that were presented to the bride’s family, and more than thrilled to take part in the feast that followed. In case you didn’t know, I’m a huge foodie.
When I think about the negotiating process that took place, I’m reminded that we have Jesus, the ultimate representative in heaven, who, through His spotless journey to death on the cross, presents us as His pure bride to His Father despite our faults (Eph. 5:25-27). I’m looking forward to that great Celebration when we are united with our Father and His Son. Oh, and let’s not forget about that heavenly feast too!
