The Bible has a high view of marriage so let us explore that, undoubtedly to our profit.
Marriage seems to be a strong part of God’s plan for the world. In the creation account He creates man and woman in His glorious image and establishes marriage saying: “for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
Subsequently we see the fall of mankind. As a result a curse is laid upon the relationship between husband and wife. So marriage is no longer easy and full as it once was. Nevertheless it is still shown to be beautiful, desirable and profitable throughout the Bible.
So what is marriage for? In the creation account we are given four things. First God says “it is not good for man to be alone.” Thus we see marriage is for companionship. Next God sets about looking for a helper for man. Thus the married couple are to help each other. Thirdly, sometime later, God commands all things to be fruitful and increase in number. Thus marriage is for productivity and children. Finally God created mankind male and female. He created mankind in His image and instituted marriage. Thus it seems that the marriage relationship is also a part of God’s image.
What is a marriage meant to be? A marriage is a union of two people. There is something profound in the union, it seems to be more fundamental that two people merely agreeing to go on together. Rather it is written “so they are no longer two but one.”
A marriage is to last. It is written “God hates divorce.” A husband is to be faithful to his wife and she to her husband. Additionally a marriage is to be exclusive. Adultery is vividly condemned, even as deserving of death.
A marriage is to be intimate, physically and emotionally. There is a whole book of poetry in the Bible dedicated to this fact. Also in the new testament people are commanded to have sex with their spouses and to support them.
A marriage is to be productive, The husband and wife both work in, potentially different ways, supporting and helping each other. Thus enhancing their work.
A marriage is safe. The husband leads and serves his wife. She does not undermine him, rather she supports. Although many rally against this it is actually beautiful and liberating: The wife is sure of leadership and she is sure of protection. The marriage becomes a safe place where she can thrive. Indeed it is a boon to submit to a good leader. The husband then has a wonderful base on which to stand and from which to lead. It is a boon to lead the supportive. Both gain and thrive.
From these facets of marriage it is surely natural that marriage is the base of family and new life. Out of intimacy come children. These children grow up in a safe place of support and guidance. The children, in turn, add vibrancy to the family.
Ah, this is indeed good and beautiful. Praise be to God for this institute of marriage!
But marriage is so much more still. It shows God’s character and plan. It is written “This [, marriage,] is a profound mystery- but I am talking about God and the Church.” Indeed God often describes His relationship to Israel as a marriage. God took Israel and adorned her in beautiful garments and married her. However she has been unfaithful, but God has remained faithful. Again heaven is begun as a wedding feast for the marriage between Jesus and his Bride, the Church. That is us!
So what does this mean? What does it mean that marriage is an image of God’s character and plan? It means great peace and Joy for us:
Jesus is our great leader and servant. He has died to save us. He is wise and loves us. Oh what a boon it is to submit to such a leader. I no longer need to be anxious about direction or purpose or right and wrong. I can simply submit to this good and wise leader. Oh what peace to have such a powerful servant. I need not be anxious about my soul or my body. Jesus has saved the former and created the latter. Surely he will keep both till the end.
Next it is written “God hates divorce”. This is amazing: He will remain faithful to us forever and through all things. Oh what peace to know that He will never abandoned us!
But this is only the beginning. We are given the great dignity of being Jesus’ own helper, both for salvation in earth now, and for care of the universe into eternity.
Then there is the wonderful intimacy. Jesus loves us as the perfect husband loves His wife: With a strong, passionate and unrelenting love and the gentlest intimacy and support. Oh how wonderful to live with Jesus!
And then there is the preposterous unity in which the God of the universe, the perfect creator of all things, elevates us, mere creatures, into a profound unity with Himself. He does this now by living in our bodies, as The Spirit. I do not know how this will look at the renewal of all things. What strength and comfort come from our union with God through The Spirit. Surely we can be free of our sin and serve with strength.
Thus it is not surprising, though it is a wonder, that it is through us, individually and especially as the Church, that more people are brought to Jesus and made children of God.
Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!