God's plan for Marriage

Genesis 2:18-25, give God's plan for marriage. You can go here and read them. You will notice several things about marriage and God's plan from these verses. God thought of marriage, because He said, "It is not good for man to be alone." According to Jay Adams, in his book, Solving Marriage Problems, "Companionship is God primary purpose for marriage." Too many couples go into marriage with false concepts about what a marriage is, and therefore their marriages do not survive. God thought of marriage as a way to solve that first problem that entered the Garden of Eden. The first thing God said wasn't good was for man to be alone. So, he caused a deep sleep to come over Adam and made him a woman. He didn't make him another man, and he couldn't find companionship among the animals. It took a woman!

God took a bone from his side, not his head (so she could lord over him) and not his foot (so he could walk on her), but his side. Eve was a perfect companion and helper for Adam. This is what God wants for your marriage and mine as well. Now, you might be thinking, "But my husband and me are completely opposite and incompatible." Notice, God's plan is companionship not compatibility. As I quoted in my last post, according to Adams, "It is impossible for 2 sinners living in close confines to be completely compatible." But we can become great companions for one another! As we yield to the Holy Spirit and follow God, He will transform us into the companion we should be.

It starts by leaving. God said, "For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife, and they two shall become one flesh." While the command is given specifically to the man, it is implied to the wife as well. We are to leave our parents and cleave to one another.

As Dr. Howard Eyrich says, "We are to leave geographically and mentally." In other words, we are to make a complete break when it comes to functionality and not try and recreate in our new relationship what we became comfortable with growing up in our parent's home. We are to leave....

....and then we are to cleave (be glued to our spouse).

We choose to love each other daily and fulfill our God-given roles. Husbands are to be loving leaders who lead with his wife's best interest in mind just as Christ does for the church. He gives honor to her as unto a fragile vase. He isn't to be harsh but gentle with her. And she then is to submit to his leadership and be a helper for him in every way. She submits to his lead and he submits to her need. And working together following the Lord, they show a picture of Christ and His Church.

....then they two are to become one flesh.

They are joined physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, etc. In other words, you no longer see them as individuals but as one inseparable body. This takes a daily commitment to love your spouse and die to yourself. But it honors God. God spoke through Solomon and said that "A man that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor from the Lord." Let us treat one another with honor and respect, striving to honor God through our marriages! God Bless!