Marriage Vows

WE ARE TO KEEP OUR MARRIAGE VOWS

Malachi 2:13-14 The men of Malachi's time were wondering why their prayers were not being answered. They were weeping on the altar and complaining to God. God revealed to Malachi that the prayers were unanswered because men were breaking covenants with their wives and divorcing them. This was serious business to God, and He was very displeased with it.

There is a fundamental stronghold that must be confronted regarding the subject of marriage even in the Christian church. Even in the body of Christ powers of darkness have managed to create a false concept of what marriage is all about. The devil has succeeded in poisioning theminds of believers. Malachi tells us that the reason a marriage is such a high priority with God is that the marriage relationship is a convenant relationship; and in marriage, God make two people one.

Marriage is a model of God's relationship with the church through Jesus Christ. Can you imagine Jesus Christ tell the church, "I'm tired of you, and I want someone else" or "I was looking for one when I found you"?

WE must come to understand that the God of the universe is a God of LOVE. God loves you, and He loves mankind. For love to be genuine, it must be able to stand the test of a covenant realationship. The oneness of a husband and wife is supernaturally connected to the oneness of Jesus and the church. If this oneness is violated, it is a deep violation of the laws of love.

Covenant: means an agreement; ususally formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified. In the Bible. the conditional promises made to humanity by God, as revealed in scripture.

So, how do you feel when someone makes you a promise, gives you their word before witnesses and they fail to follow through with their commitment? I wonder how Christ feels when we let Him down on the promises, vows and commitments we have made and failed. I am so thankful that He is a Gracious, Merciful and Forgiving FATHER.

EPHESIANS 5:21-23

Marriage should be a wondrous and fulfilling experience, that despite some trials and difficulties, is deeply rewarding. The Bible teaches that it is possible to have a fulfilling and lasting marriage. Using the example of Christ and the church, the wife is to submit to her husband as the church submits to Christ. The husband is to love his wife by serving her and laying down his life for her as Christ loved and served the Church. In this model there really is no such thing as one person better than the other or someone "lording it over" the other. What Christ is asking for in the marriage relationship from both the husband and the wife is that both parties die to self and love each other with God's love.

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