Marriage Matters

In a world where relationships often seem fragile and disposable, it's crucial to remember that marriage matters deeply. Not just as a social institution, but as a sacred covenant that reflects God's own relationship with His people. Today, let's explore some profound truths about marriage, divorce, and the joy God intends for our relationships.

The Sacred Nature of Marriage
From the very beginning, God designed marriage to be a permanent, devoted union between one man and one woman. In Matthew 19, Jesus reminds us of this divine intent:


This passage emphasizes that marriage isn't merely a human agreement, but a God-ordained relationship. It's meant to be honored, cherished, and protected.

Divorce: Permitted, Not Prescribed
While God's ideal is lifelong marriage, we live in a fallen world where relationships can break down. The Old Testament law, particularly in Deuteronomy 24, addresses the reality of divorce. However, it's crucial to understand that divorce was permitted due to human hardness of heart, not because it was God's original plan.


The law in Deuteronomy 24 actually aimed to protect vulnerable parties (often women) in cases of divorce. It provided guidelines to prevent further exploitation or abuse. This reflects God's heart for justice and care for the vulnerable, even in difficult circumstances.

Remarriage and the Sanctity of the Covenant
The passage in Deuteronomy also places restrictions on remarriage in certain situations. This serves to underscore the seriousness of the marriage covenant and discourage treating it lightly. While remarriage could be permitted, it needed to be done in a way that honored the sanctity of marriage itself.

A Picture of God's Relationship with His People
Interestingly, the language of marriage and divorce is used throughout Scripture to describe God's relationship with His people. The prophet Jeremiah, echoing the language of Deuteronomy, speaks of God "divorcing" unfaithful Israel. Yet in His great mercy, God calls His people to return to Him.

This beautiful picture reminds us that even when we are unfaithful, God remains steadfast in His love. He pursues us and offers reconciliation, modeling the kind of covenant faithfulness we're called to in our own relationships.

The Joy of Marriage
While much of Deuteronomy 24 deals with the painful realities of broken relationships, there's a beautiful counterpoint in verse 5:

This verse highlights God's desire for marriage to be a source of joy and delight. It emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation in the early days of marriage, setting aside time to nurture the relationship.

Husbands as Bringers of Joy
Interestingly, the original language suggests that it's particularly the husband's responsibility to "bring happiness" to his wife. This challenges us to think beyond providing financially or even spiritual leadership. Men are called to be active cultivators of joy in their marriages and families.

This reflects God's own character as the giver of all good gifts. James 1:17 reminds us, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights." Just as God delights in blessing us, husbands should delight in bringing joy to their wives.

Rejoicing in the Wife of Your Youth
Proverbs 5:18 encourages us to "rejoice in the wife of your youth." This isn't just about young love, but about cherishing the history and depth of a long-standing relationship. Even as time passes and challenges come, we're called to remember the preciousness of our spouse and the journey we've shared together.

Reflections for Today
In a world where instability in relationships is common, even among Christians, how can we cultivate the kind of marriages God intends?

1. Build a Strong Foundation: It takes more than a honeymoon to establish a lasting relationship. Invest time and effort in the early days of marriage to create a solid base.
2. Practice Graciousness: Remember that we all need grace. Be quick to extend forgiveness and slow to take offense.
3. Cultivate Joy: Especially for husbands, make it a priority to bring happiness and delight into your home.
4. Remember Your Covenant: Whether married or single, if you're a believer, you're in a covenant relationship with God. He remains faithful even when we falter.
5. Return to Him: If you've wandered from God, know that He is gracious and calls you to return. His love is steadfast and His mercy is new every morning.

The beauty of God's design for marriage goes far beyond romantic sentiment. It's a living picture of His own covenant love for us. When we embrace this vision, our relationships can become powerful testimonies to the transforming power of God's love.

Whether you're married, single, or navigating the pain of a broken relationship, remember that God's love for you is unshakeable. He is the ultimate source of joy, and He invites us all into a relationship of deep, abiding love. May we reflect that love in all our relationships, bringing glory to the One who loved us first.