Ecclesiastes 4: 9--12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. --NIV
In the name of our Third Strand, amen.
This passage has often been applied to marriage, and rightly so. There is no closer human bond that the marriage bond between a man and a woman. We do help each other. We do defend each other. We do keep each other warm. And these things work in the metaphorical sense as well as the literal. When we are tempted to sin, our spouse can help us through the temptation. When we feel the bite of the coldness of the world, our spouse warms us with love and understanding. When we do fall into sin, our spouse can raise us up by showing us our sin and speaking the words of forgiveness that restore our spirit. And, in the area of raising children, two are much more effective than one.
But the passage speaks a mystery. It talks about a cord of three strands. That third strand is Christ, and when we are woven together with Him, we will be strong. Thank God that He is willing to be at the center of our marriages, woven together with us so that we will remain strong and not break apart! Amen.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help us always to value the strength that comes in marriage. More than that, help us to value the strength that You bring to our marriages. Forgive us for the times that we do not make You a part of our marriages. Be the center of our marriages and make us strong. We ask this to the glory of Your holy name, amen.
Copyright 1999 Reformation Lutheran Church http://ReformationChurch.org