Wedding of Bonginkosi & Zamaphanga – From ‘Hearing of’ to ‘Seeing’ God

“I had heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You.” – Job 42:5

This wedding service was a joyful reminder of the beauty of God’s order for marriage and family life. The message centred on the importance of truly knowing God, not merely hearing about Him. The bridegroom shared that Job 42:5 had been on his heart for a long time, as a testimony of how God faithfully answered his prayers in His perfect time. What took place on this wedding day was not simply the fulfilment of human plans, but a gift from God Himself.

The sermon reflected on the life of Job, a man who feared God and turned away from evil. Although Job already knew God, after passing through severe trials and suffering he came to know Him in a far deeper way. He confessed that previously he had only heard of God, but now his eyes had seen Him. True faith is not based only on what we hear from others, but on a personal encounter with the living God.

Many people hear about God through church, family, or society, yet never truly surrender their lives to Him. Hearing alone is not enough. A person must meet God personally and allow Him to transform the heart. When someone truly encounters God, they remain faithful through every trial and temptation. Job endured sickness, loss, and suffering, yet nothing could separate him from God because his faith was genuine.

The bride and bridegroom were encouraged that marriage will not always be easy. Difficulties, advice from others, and temptations will come, but they were urged to remain grounded in God’s voice above all else. A marriage built on a true relationship with God will withstand testing.

The message also pointed to other servants of God who experienced deep encounters with Him. Moses had to remove his sandals before approaching the burning bush because he stood on holy ground. This symbolised the need to put away sin and impurity before drawing near to God. Likewise, the prophet Isaiah, when he saw the holiness of God, cried out, “Woe is me, for I am undone,” becoming deeply aware of his own sinfulness.

When God reveals Himself, He also exposes what is hidden in the human heart. Pride, sin, careless speech, bitterness, and unholy conduct cannot remain where God is truly at work. Real conviction leads to repentance, humility, and change. A person who has truly seen God will not continue living carelessly, but will seek reconciliation, holiness, and obedience.

The sermon concluded with an appeal for every believer to move beyond merely hearing about God to personally knowing Him. When our eyes are opened to His holiness and grace, our lives are transformed. May each of us, like Job, be able to say: “I had heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You.”