Why is marriage important?

Why is marriage important? Googling this question resulted in 87,600,000 sites. YIKES! Could there really be that many reasons?

So you don’t have to stay up all night reading this blog, I’m going to focus on the main reason marriage is important (at least what I think the main reason is, but you can tell me later if you agree).

I believe God designed marriage to develop our understanding for and participation in Jesus’ relationship with his bride, the church. Think through this short historical overview with me.

1. First, the Genesis creation account establishes marriage as God’s idea and plan for humanity (Genesis 1-2).
2. Then, God commends marriage throughout the Old Testament period, and even uses marriage as a metaphor for how he sees his relationship with the nation of Israel (Isaiah 54:5; 62:5; Hosea 2:19).

3. Next, Jesus becomes human and refers to himself as the bridegroom (Matthew 9:15; 25:1-13) and the people who believe in him as his bride (John 3:22-36). (*See below for a comparison of 1st century Jewish weddings and Jesus’ wedding to the church.)
4. Jesus also uses marriage language when he says in John 17:3 (NIV) Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. The word “know” is the same word used in Matthew 1:25 (KJ) And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus, in reference to Joseph not being intimate with Mary. 
5. Then, Paul brings clarity to the reason for marriage by saying that the mystery of how a husband cleaving to his wife makes them “one flesh”, is representative of the same mystery for the way Christ and the church are one (Ephesians 5:31-32).
6. And finally, marriage finds its fullest expression in heaven between Jesus and his church, making human marriage obsolete (Matthew 22:30) – the shadow gives way to the substance. 

Healthy human marriage is not only a foretaste of our relationship with Jesus; it is also a testimony to the world. The companionship, the shared love, the mutual servanthood, the faithfulness, and the close intimacy, all demonstrate what it means to be in relationship with Jesus. And who, in the most honest part of themselves, doesn’t want that with someone, especially the God who created them!!!

I hope I have given you an expanded sense of the importance of marriage. Beyond the reasons of mutual happiness or stable societies or growing healthy children, marriage represents and prepares us for relationship with Jesus. Human marriage is temporal, but marriage with Jesus is eternal.

Have you accepted Jesus’ proposal? 

Revelation 19:6-9 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.) 9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

Blessings from Bev

*Comparison of 1st century Jewish weddings and Jesus’ wedding to the church

Groom’s father plans his son’s wedding.
- God, the Father, planned Jesus’ wedding.

Groom presents gift to bride.
- Jesus presents himself as the gift for his bride, the church.

Groom and bride agree to be consecrated to each other from that point on.
- Jesus’ bride is consecrated to Jesus forever through the Holy Spirit.

Groom goes back to father’s house to build a home for his bride.
- Jesus goes back to his Father’s house to prepare a home for his bride.

Bride prepares herself and remains faithful to him while awaiting his return.
- Jesus’ bride prepares herself while eagerly awaiting his return.

Groom’s return is heralded by his attendants.
- Jesus’ return is heralded by his attendants.

Bride meets him outside her home and they go back to his father’s house.
- Jesus’ bride goes to live with him forever.

There is a great feast.
- There is a great wedding feast.