Heart of the Staff, Bro Jim
September 2023
In the rotations of the Heart of the Staff, my last post was in March 2023. I continue with The Home – Is it Made, Purchased, or Given, specifically, The Home – Sealed in Marriage. “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 2:7. “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” Genesis 2:18. “And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept; and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; and the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman and brought her unto man.” Genesis 2:21-22.
God created and united that first couple in marriage, and it should be an example to all others. At least there was no competition in that day, and after marriage there should not be any competition allowed in the minds or hearts of any of us with regard to life’s mate which first God has made and given, and second which we have chosen.
The first two people were created and presented to each other without a choice or knowledge of what they wanted, but when God created and brought them together; it became just what they wanted and needed. A perfect union of two people for the good of each. When we allow God to prepare for us in this manner, we also find the fulfillment of dreams we never knew possible.
If the first man and woman were expected to live together til death, when they had no choice as to whom they married, how much more is expected of those who make their own choice. What a great challenge is set before us; it is possible for us to have the choice of God, and the choice from ourselves. When God presented Adam and Eve to each other, can you imagine anything else except the response, that is just what I need! So can each life be filled with just what it needs if that life is committed to God.
Man was created from the dust of the ground, but woman was created from a rib taken from the side of man. Often the question is asked, Why did God not also create woman from the dust just as he did man? Well perhaps that is sealed in the mind of God, but just a suggestion to think about. “And Adam said, this is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh.” Genesis 2:23-24. The marriage tie is used to express the strongest physical tie on earth. Certainly the flesh of a child is like that of his father and mother, so much so that others are able to see some of the same physical features in the child that are in the parents. Yet the Bible declares man shall leave father and mother and cleave to his wife, and they become one flesh. A special type of one flesh different from parent and child, because this is a special joining together made by God. Regardless who performs the ceremony, it is done before God for His blessings.
Jesus reaffirmed the relationship of man and wife as He said, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Matthew 19:6. The picture of the unbroken and eternal bond in marriage was given that it would be for the good of man and also that it might teach man the true bond which He desires with man. God uses this description to call His people through the prophet Jeremiah. “Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you;” Jeremiah 3:14. What great truths the Lord has chosen to reveal through the many emblems of home life! And how marvelous that He would refer to His believers and followers as His bride!
This may be the last post from me in this year and from this series. Unless I figure out a way or have a chance to finish. Some may not know, but my father was a minister. These posts have been from the 1 and only published sermon that we have from my dad. All his other sermons are outlines and handwritten in his distinctive fancy, small cursive that I cannot figure out the words. As I approached this year, I tried to honor my dad the best that I could-to share his sermon to reach others for Christ. In remembrance of my dad this year as it marks his death on earth of 30 years, but I celebrate his reward with Jesus in heaven.
The last time I saw my dad, I will never forget the look on his eyes as me and Lisa backed out of their driveway. He asked for us to stay a little longer before we had gotten into the car. Who knew in less than 12 hours, he would no longer be with us. May God use these sermon posts to reach others as what dad wanted to do from the age of 16, hitchhiking from place to place, preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ.