Feb 6 - Genesis 1:27,31

So God created humankind in his image,

in the image of God he created them;

male and female he created them

… and indeed, it was very good.

Genesis 1:27,31

^NRSV

 

In the first chapter of Genesis, it says that when God created, “it was good.”

 

It says that again and again and again. Six times. Verses 4, 10, 12, 18, 21, and 25! And by verse 31, God himself is rejoicing. As his plan for creation becomes reality he declares that it is “very good”!

 

“So …,” I like to ask people, “what was the first thing in creation that was ‘not good’?” Literally, “not good.”

 

Sin is often the first answer that people give me. And sin truly is not good. “Nevertheless,” I say, “something else was ‘not good’ even before the first sin occurred!” So what is it?

 

Most people are stumped. Therefore, I point them to the middle of the second page of scripture – Genesis 2:18. It says, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner."

 

That’s our real verse for today!

 

Marriage is instituted on the first pages of scripture. It is God’s blessing from the very beginning.

 

And what is it’s purpose? The purpose of marriage is not romance -- though romance can be a whole lot of fun! It’s not happiness – though you, me, and God hope you discover true joy! No, the purpose of marriage is partnership.

 

Life is hard. It’s better together. He serves. She helps. You take turns encouraging. You both sacrifice.

You’re a team. As the old King James translation says it, our spouse should be our “help meet” ^{Gen 2:18} (or “help-mate,” as I hear it).

 

Life is busy and stressful. A partner is someone you share responsibilities with.

 

Life is daily. It goes on and on … and up and down … and through repetitive ins and outs. It’s victorious celebrations and crushing defeats. And partnership is perseverance. And it’s all for the good of the union.

 

Marriage is not about what you get, it’s about what you give!

 

And the good news of partnership is this: In God’s design, the more you give, the more you usually get back!

 

Question of the Day:

·         If I had asked you before today’s devotion, “What is the purpose of marriage is?” what would you have said?

·         After today’s devotion, why is partnership a better definition, perhaps, than what you were already coming up with?

·         Who are you partners with? And how fully?

 

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who sings, “Mmm!”

Why? Because my favorite

Jack Johnson song sings

“Mmm, it's always better

when we're together.”