A Secure Foundation for Marriage
ICS Daily Devotions
Malachi 2:14 (NKJV) Yet you say, “For what reason?” Because the LORD has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth, With whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion And your wife by covenant.
Galatians 3:15 (NKJV) Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.
Marriage is a covenant in the eyes and mind of God, and it is His will that our marriages be strong and enduring. The marriage covenant is the closest to God’s covenant with us.
The first Scripture above shows that God calls husbands to treat their wives with honour because they are joined to them by covenant. God’s design also includes our continual connection to Him—like a three strand cord that is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Every marriage should carry the vision and goal of growing closer to God together.
What is a covenant? A blood covenant between two parties is the closest, most enduring, most solemn, and most sacred of all contracts. When you enter a blood covenant with someone, you promise to give them your life, your love, and your protection forever, till death do you part. It is a binding, unbreakable agreement based on blood, resulting in the absolute union of two parties, with all assets, talents, debts, and liabilities mutually shared.
The world seeks to conform us to its standard regarding marriage by viewing it as a contract. Christians will view marriage the same way unless their minds are renewed by the Word of God. When marriage is viewed as a contract, the couple will think in terms of conditions, limits, rights, and even “outs”.
To our modern way of thinking, marriage is a social contract governed by the state and negotiated between two sovereign people who share the same bed. Marriage today is all about the big “I”. “No-fault divorce”, a sex-obsessed media, liberal courts, and an idolised youth culture all send the same message that if the relationship ceases to give us what we want, if it gets tough, or even just gets boring, we can walk away and start all over. It is about our own entitlements and the fulfilment of the desires of the flesh and the mind. People quit when anything fails to satisfy them.
Christian marriage is not a contract but a covenant, a sacred blood covenant witnessed and guaranteed by God Himself. It is unconditional, unlimited, and unending. It is more about trust than terms, character than convenience, and giving than receiving. It reflects the very character of God.
Covenant is the only secure foundation for a happy, fulfilling and enduring marriage. Understanding the meaning of covenant will help us to understand the importance of being one with our spouse, and remembering that we are one at all times will strengthen our marriage.
Reflection: Do you view marriage more through the lens of covenant or convenience? Which of your beliefs about marriage is God inviting you to bring into alignment with His Word?
Sermon Series: As a Man Thinks in His Heart So is He
