The Case for Marriage

Bible Verses: Genesis 2: 20-24, Revelation 19:7, Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:9

From the beginning when God created man and woman, he instituted the relationship of marriage.  Each person is made in His image. The dictionary definition of marriage is “the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law.”

Pastor Jay Kelly, Eternal Friends in Christ Church

God designed marriage to be the foundation of the family which is a key component to any society.  He stated that a man shall leave his family and be united with his wife in an intimate relationship.  Men and women are to be “one” in spirit and their relationship is to be a bond, not only in physical terms.

Revelation describes the relationship between Jesus Christ (the Lamb) and the church or His followers as that of a bride and bridegroom.  Jesus laid down His life for the whole world so that they could become His church, anyone who chooses to follow Him in a relationship.  The relationship between Jesus and the church is so close and intimate that He said we can be one with Him as He is one with the Father.  As a matter of fact, we should strive to be so close to Jesus in our relationship, that we are able to know His will and what he thinks and wants, similar to the relationship between a husband and wife.  People who are married begin to know each other so well, they begin to anticipate the needs and desires of the other person.  God’s design for the relationship between the bridegroom (Jesus) and the bride (church) is the model for marriage between men and women.  The relationship between man and woman in marriage is just a glimpse here on Earth of what it will be like in eternity with Him.  That is why there is no marriage in heaven, because we will be so close to Jesus, it will not be necessary.

So, if you are Satan (enemy of God) how do you go about destroying the church and society?  The answer is attack marriages and families.  Studies show the importance of two parent families, parents (particularly fathers) have a dramatic influence on children and how their absence lends itself to the destruction of the family which has a direct effect on the destruction of a society.  Marriage is watered down in our world to the point that some do not recognize its significance and importance to our existence as humans.

That is why God hates divorce and emphasizes the importance of men to be devoted husbands and fathers, as well as, women to be strong wives and mothers.  Marriage is an important foundation to families and is not old fashioned or out of date.  It is essential for society to survive and is part of God’s great design for our lives.  Marriages require commitment, hard work, and a servant attitude as displayed by Jesus Himself.  Marriage is not to be entered into lightly which is why it requires time to choose carefully who you want to spend your life with and stay committed to in the relationship.  The world says you can do without it (live together) or you can create some variation resembling it and be OK.  But, these are just attempts to divert people from the truth.  It is not uncommon to pray for your future mate (even if you don’t know who they will be) or pray for guidance in choosing a spouse who is also a follower of Jesus.

It has been said we need to plan our marriage before we plan our wedding.  It means taking  the time before marriage to know each other and about our past, our expectations, and dreams.  What you will do and who will do what.  Plan and make it work.  It is not always easy, but children, as well as, society as a whole benefits from strong families and strong marriages.  It is about working together, each contributing to the relationship serving the Lord in the process to keep our hearts and minds on Him.

PRAYER:    Heavenly Father we thank you for marriage and ask that you help us follow your design for marriage and families.  We pray for guidance and wisdom in choosing a future mate.  We pray for families and marriages, that they would seek You and your will.  Thank you for the template for marriage, that of Jesus and the church (followers of Christ).  Help us to read Your word and follow the instructions on how to be a husband/father and wife/mother of God.  Amen.