#1 Marriage is not between 2, but among 3:

• In the New Testament, marriage is between Jesus Christ as the Bridegroom, with His love being for the “Church – i.e. the body of Believers, representing the Bride;

• So too in the marriage of a man and woman – the Bridegroom is to model himself after Jesus –

•• by loving his Bride, as Jesus loves the Church; and
•• by his commitment to sacrifice – including his life, if necessary – for his Bride,
like Christ.

• Thus, marriage involves 3 – not 2:

•• Woman as Bride;
•• Man as the stand-in Bridegroom; and
•• the presence of Jesus as the true Bridegroom for both – and for man to model..

#2 In Honoring the Lord, Man and Woman in: marriage are to

• Honor each other;

• Essential to Honor is humility; reflect Humility with each other, as to the Lord;

• So too, Humor, and the easy ability to laugh – particularly at oneself!

Smile, if this does not come naturally – practice the art!

#3  Marriage is Being “Yoked Together;”

• As with the Lord – who teaches us to “take my yoke upon you and learn from me.”

• We are to be yoked with the Lord – whether single, or as Man and Woman in marriage.

• As with 2 or more oxen or horses, being yoked together enables the 2 (or 3) to:

•• learn together;
•• go in the same direction;
•• always be aligned side by side;
•• help and encourage each other, and pick each other up when they fall;
•• be stronger, as a rope of 2 or 3 strands;

„ combine, utilize and multiply our differing capabilities, strengths, talents and effectiveness, doing so for the “good” and in service to the Lord; FN 4
„ keep the marriage home a “haven from the world;” and
„ experience life’s journey and memories together. FN 5

NOTE 1: God’s aim for marriage is to provide for “help-mates” in going through life in this world as “citizens of Heaven” while working for the common “good,” and for His Glory – not necessarily to attain “ happiness” or greater happiness.

NOTE 2: While there is no marriage in Heaven – the plan is for both to be in Heaven, where they will know each other forever, and as having been former mates in life here on Earth.

#4  Marriage Provides the Training Center and School for Children

• Should the marriage be Blessed with children, all marriage basics must remain the same – since marriage was designed to serve as the model School and Training Center for children to learn. [Observe the deer and ducks with the fawns and ducklings following along, not leading the way.]