Daily Light from the Lighthouse
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Embarking on a Life-long Journey
Have you ever noticed that the Bible begins and ends with marriage? It begins with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden being brought together as one flesh by the sovereignty of God. It ends with the bride of Christ (the church) entering into an eternal and holy matrimony with Christ. What a perfect picture of what God wants for marriages today! Unfortunately, one out of two marriages in the United States ends in divorce. We have failed to see that marriage is not simply a decision to live with someone else but rather it is a commitment to Christ to glorify Him through this God-ordained institution. There are four main things that we learn from God's Word about marriage.
1) Marriage is a picture of unity (Genesis 2:24; Deuteronomy 6:4). Just as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are united in purpose, the husband and wife must be united with God for the purpose of glorifying the Lord. Adam did not see Eve as another human being. He saw her as a part of himself. That is why we are encouraged to love our spouse as ourselves. We are literally in God's eyes one. 2) Marriage is a picture of diversity (Genesis 1:26). When we discuss the Trinity, we speak of God as one with three distinct personalities and functions. A husband and wife are not the same. God made us different for a purpose. One marriage author said that if a husband and wife were exactly alike one of them would be unnecessary. We each bring something different to the table of marriage. God meant for it to be that way. However, instead of focusing on our differences as something negative, we need to see that God wants to use us together to complete each other and His purpose for our lives. 3) Marriage is a journey together (Song of Solomon 2:11-13). When a couple says their vows in front of family, friends and the Father, they are simply taking the first step in a long journey together. There will most definitely be ups and downs along the way. The trip from the mountain top to the valley and back up again will be a difficult one. The storms that they will face will be treacherous at times. However, this journey is not meant to be traveled alone. You will make it together. 4) Marriage is the sanctuary of the heart (Proverbs 4:23; Galatians 6:9). The key to making this life-long journey joyous and prosperous is to not lose the heart of our marriage. It will only be the couple that intentionally works at keeping their hearts knit together that will find true success in life. No matter how long the journey may be at times, don't give up. See the journey as a God-given opportunity to spend quality time with your best friend and lover.
May your steps on the journey be lighter today!
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