In the beginning God brought order to chaos by giving structure and meaning to what was formless and void. God created life, ordered the seasons, established interdependence, developed relationships, established sacred trusts, and initiated covenants. One of those covenants is the marriage covenant, for God saw that it was not good for persons to live life alone.
The celebration of marriage is a great act of faith. It is the stepping forth into the future with a commitment that begins with today and prevails for lifetime. It is a three party contract between God, a man and a woman. Marriage is a relationship that is intended by God to be an adventure filled with the potential for the greatest of joys.
But even the most sincere and thoughtful preparation, heart felt commitment, and defined plan for living doesn't automatically make for a happy-ever-after life for a couple. Healthy marriages are the result of intentional work, good communication, ongoing discovery, and empowered change. A rewarding and purposeful marriage is one where there is growth: emotional, intellectual, relational, and spiritual.
There are many biblical couples that demonstrate both constructive and destructive aspects of marriage. As these heros of faith lived the numerous chapters in their relationships, we can learn much about God's presence in marriage and how we today might experience what has been created by God to be good. Everything was perfect for Adam and Eve and yet they were affected by temptation. They came to know that sin produces consequences that stay with you a long time, resulting in the need for substantial effort (Genesis 2 & 3). Abraham and Sarah learned that patience and trust are vital issues within a marriage. They each gave away the other in uncertain times (Genesis 16 & 20) the results were much heartache, but through God's mercy and guidance these two have become the example of family and faith. Boaz and Ruth are models of commitment even when life is uncertain (Ruth 1-4). David and Michal learned that others can interfere in a marriage and cause much pain (1 Samuel 18 & 19). Aquila and Priscilla knew what it was to work together personally, professionally, and spiritually (Acts 18).
Marriage relationships like other aspects of life have periods of change, challenge and blessing. Daniel L. Migliore in his book As for me and my house... (as from Joshua 24:15) aptly portrays the awakening of love between a man and a woman, the refining and deepening of that affection, the discovery that makes love enduring so to truly be life giving as God has intended.
