1st Devotion on Marriage

Any quotations here will be from The Living Bible by Tyndale House.
"It is not good that man should be alone; I will make a companion for him, a helper suited to his needs." vs18.
"God...took one of his ribs...and made the rib into a woman, and brought her to the man." vs 22
"This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife in such a way that the two become one person." vs 24"
"...yet even so, you shall welcome your husband's affections, and he shall
be your master." 3:16

An interesting tidbit. NASA's Ames Research Center found every single element of the body exists in soil.

God knew man needed someone more like himself than any animal in creation for comfort, companionship and and the like. What he created was so like Adam, yet different and new. And yes, he said she was to be his helper. The word it is taken from "ezer" means partner. Not a slave, not an errand boy, a partner. Now partnerships are not always 50-50. And that truly makes sense. If I partnered with one of you to open an art gallery, all I could possibly do would be to answer the phone and type invoices. I know nothing of art and have no talent. If we divided profits 50/50 you'd probably soon view me as an expense. It might be more appropriate if you received 75 or 80%. It works that way in marriage too. The most successful rely more on a distribution according to talents, energy, suitably, etc., then pure equality. And the percentages are constantly changing and being rene, like variable rate credit cards. Sometimes one has to totally carry the other for a time.  But the world would have you count each towel folded, each dollar earned, each meal prepared constantly checking to see if you were on the "losing" end. That's not God's way, he says give and then give some more. Check out the Beatitudes.

And God took a rib! How symbolic! Part of Adam. Essential. From his side, not his tail bone or his nose. We should stand beside our spouse, not striding out in front, nor bowing and scraping from behind. And also notice the location makes for a perfect place to be protected and sheltered under Adam's arm. A perfect fit. Let him protect you. It's his right and his responsibility. Society is trying to strip all the eloquence from simple courtesy (door opening) on up, until we are toe to toe with Adam instead of side by side. My husband puts it like this, I should be able to take care of most anything, but if I can't or someone won't listen, he'll step in. He's never had to. But there is an unspoken undercurrent, if you mess with her, I'll mess with you. May not be entirely biblical, but it is old fashioned. And I love it. It makes me feel empowered, not dominated.

And the man should leave his parents....not neglect them or write them off. But clearly separate his new home and family from them. In a way it is like the balance between the spouses, there will be times when it is agreed a parents needs must be put 1st. Or when their help and insight will be sought. But nothing and no one, not even dear sainted mother, should be between the couple or before the spouse.

The two shall become one. One plan, one destiny, one household, one unit. It symbolizes the intimate connection of sex. But it goes much deeper than that - to the heart and the mind and even the soul. You can't truly be happy if they aren't. Can't be satisfied if they aren't. Now, it's not always that way all the time. But it is the ideal that should be strived for. It deepens the relationship. Builds each partner up. Makes them the best they can be as a team and as individuals.

"And even so , you shall welcome your husband's affections." There will be more pertaining to this later in the study, but yes unless we are truly sick or have to leave right then to make it to work, or something other than "I'm just not in the mood." we should welcome them. 1st, it helps to strengthen him (and you) from outside lusts and temptations. 2nd, it's good therapy. It releases stress. Eases tensions. Helps you feel all warm and fuzzy toward each other. But don't panic! This is not carte blanc. Later we will hit on verses that make it clear he should always be sensitive to how you feel and what you need. After all, you are a part of him. What fool would want to hurt theirself?

I hope you received some insight, some blessing from this 1st installment.  I do not want anyone to blindly accept what is here, but go to the Word. Check it out for yourself. Pray for insight and turn it over in your own heart. Let the Holy Spirit lead you into all understanding. This is here only to serve to get you thinking.

God Bless you and keep you. Please add your reply. A question. A testimony. Anything that applies.