When I turned on the TV, while making the morning coffee, I had to laugh. The song tidbit that was ending the segment on the news program was from what was once called one of the "10 Songs That Will Instantly Put You In a Good Mood": "Your Kiss Is On My List", recorded by Hall and Oates, in the 1981. It was one of my favorite pop songs back then, and remains so.
The reason I laughed was because I had already decided to blog about marriage this morning, albeit briefly. The Hubster and I are leaving soon for an out-of-state wedding, and my time is short.
Surely, like me, you know a couple still married, after millions of years. There is a sweet couple that sits in front of us at church; they've been married for over 60 years. We've been married for over 20; but, we got a late start.
My heart breaks for my girlfriend, whose last child is marrying today, and he is her only son, as well. I know it will be so bittersweet for her. But, I also know she is rejoicing that her son has chosen a godly woman, that he has chosen well.
The Bible says that when a man and a woman are joined together in marriage, then they become "one flesh". This is a reference to both their physical union and their spiritual union. The picture the Bible paints of godly marriage is so beautiful. And, when we humans pervert God's standard, it is so ugly.
How do we pervert God's plan? In a multitude of ways:
- joining ourselves physically to another outside the bonds of marriage, and this includes while "single" and after marriage
- rape or incest
- emotional adultery
- so-called marriages that are not between one man and one woman
- divorce
- pornography, one of the chief avenues of lust
- marrying non-Christians
God compared the marriage relationship to Jesus' relationship to His Church. Jesus is referred to as the Bridegroom and we, His followers, are called The Bride of Christ. It would be more accurate to say that we are "engaged" or "betrothed" to Christ in this present Church Age. The Jews viewed betrothal just as binding as the actual marriage. Recall that it was while Joseph was betrothed to Mary that she was found with child (Matthew 1:18). Our actual wedding ceremony will occur in the future. This is prophesied in Revelation 19:7-10 ...
Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
8
Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear.”
Other key passages that give us guidance concerning godly marriage are Ephesians 5:22-23, 2 Corinthians 11:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:14.
One of the prayers I pray often over my sons is that they will marry godly women. It is of vital importance that believers not marry unbelievers. If you looked up 2 Corinthians 6:14, mentioned above, you saw that plainly stated.
Marriage is a tremendous commitment because, as those of you who are married know, it is often difficult. Our expectations are usually unrealistic for our mate, and they inevitably fall short, as we do of theirs as well. We are human and therefore imperfect. But, just as Christ is committed to us, His Bride, so we are to remain committed, faithful in love to our spouse.
And, what about that kiss thing? Well, there's even a book in the Bible that addresses that too! There's nothing wrong with marrying someone whose kiss makes your toes tingle. Why do you think the song is so popular? God does not hate sex. Otherwise, the Song of Solomon would not be in the Bible!
"His mouth is most sweet, and He is altogether desirable. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem!"
Song of Solomon 5:16
Y'all have a blessed day. I've got to go get me some wedding cake! ;)
Dear Father, thank you for my Bridegroom, whose love for me never fails. There are times when I am unfaithful, but He is ever constant, always true. You hold me close to Your heart, Beloved, and I worship You. It is in Your name, Lord Jesus, I pray, amen.
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