And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ (Matthew 1:16).
When God was bringing His Son into the world to save mankind, He sent Him through the womb of a virgin, Mary. However, God knew this woman needed the comfort, the protection, the cover of a faithful man who would look after her, and join her to create a secure home environment in which His only begotten Son would grow up properly, in order to fulfill His destiny. So He provided Joseph to be the husband of Mary. Mary and Joseph were engaged already when he found that Mary was carrying a child. He did not understand what was happening. Naturally, he wanted to put Mary away, but “being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was planning to put her away privately” (Matt. 1:19).
It was then the angel of the Lord told him that her conception was of the Holy Spirit (Matt 1:20). And he had no union with her as her husband until she had borne her firstborn son (Matt. 1:25).
Why did Mary need a man in the process of bringing the Saviour into the world, if she did not need the man to be pregnant of the Son in the first instance? It is because, according to God’s ordinance, “it is not good for a man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18). It is because “two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour” (Eccl. 4:9-12).
In the New Testament, we are told that “Marriage is honourable in all” (Heb. 13:4). To be properly married is to be in a state of honour, respect, dignity and security. In this estate you have someone to share your whole life with in intimate details as joint heirs of the grace of God, in mutual respect and total security. In this relationship you can produce and bring up children who will be taught, loved and cared for by both parents, male and female. Researchers have found that delinquent children who trouble the society mostly come from broken or dysfunctional marriages.
There is a specific assignment God has for each person that comes into this world. Your marriage partner is your best “help meet” to assist you in finishing your life assignment and fulfilling your destiny.
Marriage is a serious affair before God. It is a blood covenant. Those who enter into it should do so, seriously, soberly and with total commitment to each other, and to God who is the only third party to a true marriage. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the Church. The wife is to honour and submit to her husband as the church does to Christ in everything. Children should honour their parents and pay them back later by taking good care of them.
Marriage is God’s recipe for a stable society. Those who believe in God and in Christ must go back to God’s order of marriage as set first in the word of God. The result will be increased happiness, joy, prosperity and answered prayers.
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge (Hebrew 13:4).
SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY
LUKE 1:27-32
FOR FURTHER STUDIES
EPH 5:22-33.
PRAYER POINTS
- Give thanks to God for His blessing of marriage.
- Pray for young people yet to be married that they will be guided by the knowledge and wisdom of God.
- Pray for marriages that are troubled that those involved may come.
- Pray for your own home.