The Blessing of Marriage
As we see in Genesis 2:24, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh"
Since the very beginning of history, marriage has been considered one of the most vitally important aspects of our Christianity. As we see in Genesis 2:24, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" and this is a direct testament to the sanctity of each and every one of our marriages. And, as Valentine's Day approaches, it becomes necessary that we consider our husbands or wives and see them in the same way God sees our union with Him.
Did you know that St. Valentine was actually martyred for the sake of marriage? Indeed, in the 3rd Century A.D. Rome issued an edict to all of its male citizens stating that it was temporarily illegal to get married, believing that it would encourage men to join the military. Needless to say, the initiative did not work and people chose to live together instead of being joined in Holy Matrimony. Seeing this, St. Valentine made the decision to marry Christians anyway, defying the edict, and was summarily killed for it. He literally died, "In the name of love" and as a result of his sacrifice we now celebrate a day dedicated to love, and particularly marriage.
As you celebrate this year, try focusing on your own marriage and what it means. Not only does it provide a source of stability in your life, it also reflects the hierarchy that God Himself put into place. As Paul tells us, "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.... This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." (Ephesians 5:25-28, 32-33)
May God watch over you this season and may He provide your marriages with peace, happiness and mutual admiration!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Nate Widener
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