Genesis 2:18-24 Selected (NKJV)
18 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” ……23 And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.”
24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
God created Adam (man) and placed him in the garden. Immediately, it became clear that it was not good for Adam to be alone. (God must have known he would do something stupid.) We were not designed to be alone. Fellowship with God is our primary purpose but God knew we needed fellowship with someone comparable to us. He decided to make woman and Adam called her Eve. This was the first marriage and the design for the future. This was a union of two people that would become one. They were joined on the physical and spiritual levels. We too were joined together on this day!
Marriage has always been something special. It is a friendship and so much more. The bonds created are what make the two one flesh. Too many people put more planning into the wedding and not enough into the marriage. It is difficult, in the beginning, to realize that all other relationships have to take a back seat to this new relationship. Many times, when this dynamic changes, relationships are strained. Everyone is trying to figure out their status and noses get out of joint. My wife and I fought our first Christmas and ended up being apart. That was a mistake on my part but I learned that we need to stick together. After 40 years of marriage, she is my best friend. We still disagree but my hearing is not as good so I don’t realize she is disagreeing with me. She smiles when she says no! We have become one flesh. There is no one else in the world with whom I would rather spend time. Sure, I would like to meet Billy Graham as long as I can take Jean with me. I have left my father and mother and Jean’s mother. It is just us now and it is a powerful us! We are strong in the Lord. He equips us for things that scare me. We are considering accepting a seven year old foster son. What were we thinking? Well, with my life partner by my side and the Lord our God with us, we can do all things! Invite God into your marriage and see how He will bless your lives too.
Father, bless our marriage and all marriages in Your name. Help us to live for You bringing glory to You in all that we say or do. Lead us in Your ways. Let Your love shine through us and around us and from us to those You put in our lives. Thank You for my bride, partner and friend! Hold her in the palm of Your hand as she is a blessing to me. Bless us that we may be a blessing to those we meet. In your name we pray.