Words from the Rock
Haven’t you read . . . that at the beginning the Creator “made them male and female,” and said, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh”? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.
Matthew 19:4–6 NIV
The Pharisees have just questioned Jesus about divorce. As usual, they’re trying to trap him up in their own mishmash of religious rules, probably hoping to publicly embarrass him. But, as usual, Jesus doesn’t fall for their trickery. Instead he gives them a quick refresher course on God’s best plan for marriage, quoting from an ancient Scripture that these “learned” men should recognize.
It’s reassuring to hear Jesus remind everyone that God really did plan for marriage way back at the beginning of time. And the plan was really so simple. God made two genders—male and female—who would grow to an age at which they were old enough to support themselves separately from their parents. At that point the man and woman would marry and become “one flesh.” They would join together not only physically and sexually but also emotionally, mentally, fiscally, and socially. “They are no longer two, but one.” The focus is on joining two people, man and woman, to create something lasting.
But the real key is found in the last sentence: “What God has joined together, let man not separate.” The key word is God. For a marriage to endure the test of time, God must become part of the equation (one man + one woman = marriage). If God is part of a courtship and marriage, and if the marriage relationship is built on God’s rock-solid foundation (love, forgiveness, honesty, faithfulness), then no human will be able to blow the marriage apart.
Because God has such respect for marriage, he wants for you to respect him in the relationships you have before marriage. God knows that the way you handle your dating life (for better or for worse) will later impact your marriage, and he wants you to have the best marriage possible. So if you date, why not invite God to join you? After all, he’s there with you anyway.
My Prayer
Dear God,
I believe my life and future are in your hands. If that includes marriage, I trust that you’ll lead me and show me what’s best for me.
Amen.
Final Word
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.
Titus 2:11–12 NLT
Stone for the Journey
Only God can plan a marriage that will endure.