How Precious Is Marriage?

We know that there are several places where God tells us that a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two will become one flesh. There were a few reasons given where, because of the hardness of man’s hearts, divorce was permitted... not encouraged. This included marital unfaithfulness and an unbelieving spouse leaving the marriage. In general, I think it is clear to say that God hates divorce. Marriage is important enough that we have a book of the Bible that is devoted to the courtship, dating, marriage design. That book is the Song of Solomon or Song of Songs. It may take a little cultural understanding to the comprehend the illustrations, but the picture is powerful. Unlike the world today, they didn’t use the phrase 'boys will be boys' when it comes to justifying sexual encounters outside marriage. On multiple occasions, the woman offers her body to the man, and each time he restrains himself, and points to the time when all will be freely given... marriage. When looking at the image of marriage, God uses it to describe the relationship of the church with God. The church is the bride, and the groom is Jesus Christ Himself. Christ lays down His life for her that she might be presented to the Heavenly Father as one without blemish or spot, cleansed by Christ Jesus. I don’t believe that God would use the image of marriage to describe the church if there wasn’t already great value placed on marriage. Going back to the decree in Genesis about the man leaving his father and mother, we see the design of a new family unit, not one hanging onto the past. The groom builds their new home and the bride joins him there where they will start their life together bringing new life into the world. Indeed, Christ has laid the foundation upon which the church is to be built. In 1 Corinthians 13, it says, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” The Apostle Paul speaks of love and a time when we will all enjoy the depth of this unconditional love in Heaven. We have a foretaste... we know in part, but the day will come when we will fully know God and be fully known. Father, thank You for the precious gift of marriage. Draw husbands and wives nearer to each other and to You. Amen