Marriage is not a convenient partnership or a business contract, but a sacred covenant. A couple chooses to marry not only to celebrate the wedding ceremony but also the whole married life.
A Need and a Provision: Man was alone even in Paradise, the Garden of Eden. God did not give him an animal to be his pet. He did not create or give to another man. God created a woman, Eve, by removing a rib from Adam. The bone was not taken from the head or feet, so one can dominate and subject another. She was his helpmeet or companion. The first human relationship was between Adam and Eve as husband and wife.
The significance of the Covenant: The two people became one flesh. (Genesis 2:24) It is a mystical and mysterious union, beyond human comprehension. Both must emotionally detach from their parents and cleave or attach to the other. The covenant demands priority for the spouse. Covenant means a lifelong faithfulness, sharing, caring, nurturing, and serving. The wedding pledge or commitment is given only to the spouse; hence, it is exclusive, unique, and specific. That is done in the presence of God, the church, relatives, and the community. The pledge is not taken elsewhere to any other person. One flesh means: Spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, psychological union.
The spiritual significance: Marriage foundation is a right relationship with God. Three strands: God, husband, and wife, make a powerful bond. (Ecclesiastes 4:12) There is strength, stability, and unshakeability. Marriage is a holy relationship that prepares the couple to become like Christ. Hence, the purpose of marriage is a process of transformation and sanctification. It frees the husband and wife from individualism, egoism, pride, and selfishness. It helps them to commit to each other in love and dedication. No individual is perfect. Hence, love covers a multitude of sins. Confessions, repentance, asking forgiveness, and reconciliation are diligent daily practices.
Threats to the covenant: Satan hates families and works overtime to destabilize and destroy. Satan’s weapons are suspicion, confusion, twisting facts, misinterpreting truth, and unwarranted expectations.
Do I understand God’s plan of marriage?