Psalm 104:24-26

God Creates Earth And Heaven

Matthew 19:3-12

God Creates Earth And Heaven

We jump to the Gospels today to read Jesus quoting Genesis 2:24. Jesus uses this to explain that divorce should not be chosen except for adultery. From the beginning, God’s design was for men and women to be married, and once they were married, they would remain together forever. The disciples are shocked at this teaching. Moses and the Law allowed divorce. “If I have to make an eternal commitment, then it’s better not to marry!” the disciples said. Jesus replied, “Yeah, some of you should not get married.” 

Yesterday, I told you about a teaching I share at weddings. Today, I share with you what I tell couples going through pre-marital counseling. If you cannot commit to being together forever, then you should not get married. If there’s even a remote chance you don’t want to be married, then don’t get married. Divorce should not be an option. Divorce is not something that should be threatened in an argument. Divorce should never be on the table. Yes, in a sin-filled world, divorce happens, and in the cases of different types of abuse, divorce is necessary for the protection and health of a person. However, no one should go into a marriage thinking that they can get out of it if it doesn’t work out. If that’s the attitude, it is better not to marry.

Genesis 2:18-25

God Creates Earth And Heaven

Maybe it’s just me, but when I read these verses, I find them quite humorous. Whether it’s God having a sense of humor or God wanting the man to realize that there is no partner better for him than his wife, God parades all the animals in front of Adam to find him a suitable helper. (As an aside, don’t read too much into the word helper as it relates to the husband and wife relationship. The word “helper” is used to define God as well in the Old Testament.) Adam names the animals but finds no suitable helper or partner. So, a woman is formed out of Adam, and the two are a team. 

Being a team with your spouse is essential for a successful marriage. I share an old Jewish teaching about this passage at every wedding I perform. The teaching reminds husbands and wives that the woman was formed from the rib of man. God did not form the woman from the foot, so that the man was above the woman. God did not form the woman from the head, so that the woman was above the man. God took Adam’s rib to show that the two should walk side by side in life, working together, instead of one being in control of the other.

It is God’s design for husbands and wives to walk side by side as one. In this sin-filled world, that design is sometimes corrupted, and marriages fall apart or have power imbalances. In your marriage, live up to the standard that God set with Adam and Eve. Walk side-by-side as you live life together. If you are single, remember that this is God’s will for marriages if you do become married. And if you are single and will remain unmarried, consider how you can encourage married couples you know to live in this way. Husband and wife were created to be a team, one flesh walking side-by-side.