Marriage Points

Janet and I were married 44 years ago today at 2 PM – but on a Sunday.

Some thoughts from Exodus 19:1-8
(1) In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt… (2) And Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: (3)‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, (4) and how I borne you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.  (5) Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, (6) then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.  And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ (7) These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”…Then all the people answered together and said, “all that the LORD has spoken we will do.”

 

1. God brought them out – God designed marriage, God saw Janet and me, God brought us together.  I first saw her from a distance at the airport then encountered her on a stairway at college followed by some meetings as we set up a Navigators Bible Club at the public college.

 

2. God directed me to ask Janet to marry me and make a lifelong commitment to her – God called me into His presence for a chat!

 

3. God noted her family heritage (Jacob and Israel – bad and good).  As a suitor, I was to know and engage her past – her Dad, Mom, brother and family.

 

4. She had previous lovers and suitors. She was looking for that one that would sweep her off her feet (eagle’s wings) and draw her heart.  As God showed Himself to be all that Israel longed for, so should the man in seeking her hand.

 

5. A marriage proposal – If you will commit to me and my ways.  This is about her taking on his name, his game, his fame, and his blame – she agrees to become his helpmate as Eve to Adam.

 

6. God instructed me and men to enter marriage with these commitments:

• a special treasure – a queen

• above all others – no others – “‘til death do us part”

• all the earth is Mine – all I have is yours – when we married I was on the backside of the RR days and had a pile of money, owned land, and drove a new car.  She would get it all!

• be to Me – I to be the head of the home and the family

• kingdom of priests – she rear up children to obey and respect me but more so, God

• a holy nation – make a home exalting and obeying God

So – my commitment to Janet: a treasure, no others, all mine be hers

Her commitment to me: submission, raise godly children, make a holy home

 

7. Words were uttered at the wedding.  Vows were exchanged before God and witnesses and thus we were married.  It wasn’t the setting, the crowd, the music or the flowers – it was words!

 

Marriage is a powerful protection for children, for self (security, worth, support) and a powerful witness for God.  May our marriage continue to flourish and God use us as a team for His glory!