DAY 9: THE CREATION STORY VIII: BEFORE YOU SAY ‘I DO’

THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY
(A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM)

TOPIC: THE CREATION STORY VIII: BEFORE YOU SAY ‘I DO’
DATE: 9 SEPTEMBER, 2019
BIBLE READING: GENESIS 2:15-25
MEDITATION/MEMORY VERSE: GENESIS 2:24 (AMP)
For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.

In today’s devotional, we will be addressing on the issue of marriage, which apostle Paul called it a great mystery (Eph. 5:32).
First, what is marriage? Marriage is an institution set up by God in the midst of witnesses, to cause an intimate union between a man and a woman in order to find fulfilment for a life time.
Marriage is an institution, just like a school, where a couple learns more about Christ and His bride, and about His relationship to the church. And that’s why this union is only temporary, because in heaven there’s no marriage (Matt. 22:28-30).
The primary purpose of going into marriage is not for procreation or companionship. From our Bible reading, none of them were mentioned here. We see how Adam (the first man) had an intimate relationship with God (Gen. 2:16), so the primary purpose of going into marriage is to reflect that relationship for the world to see that God is interested in the affairs of men.
From today’s Bible reading, there are certain things a man must do before going into marriage, because our verse for meditation says, “For this reason…” and so, what is the reason before you say “I do”?
The first thing a man needs is not marriage, he needs the presence of God. ‘The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden…” (Gen. 2:15). Eden refers to God’s presence from the Hebrew word.
Then, that man was made to work, cultivate and protect the Garden (Gen. 2:15).
And also, God gave that man His commandment (Gen. 2:16, 17).
It was after all these that God saw that it was not good for that man [who is in His presence, working, cultivating, protecting and keeping His commandment] to be alone. He then decided to make a helper suitable for him (Gen. 2:18). That man was not thinking of a helper but God. And God decided to make not just a helper, but a helper suitable; that is fit enough for him. So it’s not all the beautiful godly sisters that fit a brother, one must fit to him.
Still, the man never got himself distracted, he continued his business (Gen. 2:19, 20).
That man’s name was not mentioned until verse 20, when God was already preparing a suitable helper for him. Do you know why? His [hidden] identity was a sign of humility.
‘…and he brought her to the man. The man said…” (Gen. 2:22, 23). Adam knew instantly that she’s the one. When you stay in His presence, you will be led by the Spirit to know the woman suitable for you.
Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favour from the Lord.
And for this reason a man can then leave his parents to be united to his wife, and become one flesh.

ACTION POINT: I CHOOSE TO DWELL IN HIS PRESENCE AND FIGHT AGAINST DISTRACTION, SO THAT I CAN RECEIVE GOD’S BEST OF AN IDEAL WIFE/HUSBAND.
PRAYER POINT: O GOD! HELP ME BY YOUR SPIRIT TO DO WHAT IS NEEDFUL BEFORE THE SEASON OF MARRIAGE COME.
PERSONAL READING: EPHESIANS 5:22-33