That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24)
CLEAVING. Older translations say that a man should “cleave unto his wife”—a term that means literally to be glued to something. Why is a binding covenant, created by solemn vows, so crucial to the biblical understanding of marriage? First, it is a crucial test. The willingness to enter a lifelong covenant is evidence that your love for each other has reached marriage-level proportions. Second, it is resource for strength. There will be hard times in any marriage, in which your patience and love will need the support of knowing you made a solemn promise. Last, it is instructive. The covenant teaches us that marriage is not ultimately about self-fulfillment but about self-giving.2
Reflection: “A wedding vow is confining in the short run but liberating in the long run.” Do you agree? Why or why not?
Prayer: Lord, when our commitment to covenantal marriage weakens, help us remember your unwavering faithfulness to us, going even to the death of the cross. Amen.