From: Pastor Ed [mailto:pastored@spiritofjoy.us]
Sent: Saturday, April 25, 2015 8:31 AM
Subject: Apr 25-26 - Genesis 17:19
God said …
“Your wife Sarah will bear you a son
and you will name him Isaac.
I will keep my covenant with him
and with his descendants forever.
It is an everlasting covenant.
Genesis 17:19
GNT
What is the Marriage Covenant? – Part Three
My wife graduated from Vet School in May. We got married in June. Her first day of Veterinary practice was July 1.
That’s a busy few weeks.
She started this journey as “Miss East” – her maiden name. In a blink of an eye, she was “Dr. Thomas.”
Her first day at the university hospital, she didn’t answer her pages! She’d never been called, “Doctor.” She’d hardly become a “Thomas.” “Dr. Thomas” was someone she’d never met. And yet, suddenly, sick puppies were counting on the woman who didn’t yet recognize her new name!
In Scripture, when God was doing something new, he would often change a person’s name. For example, when God was forging a covenant with Abram (and assuring this elderly man that he would eventually have offspring), God changed the patriarch’s name to “Abraham” (which means, “Father of Many Nations”).
In Genesis 32:22ff, God appeared to Abraham’s grandson, Jacob. They literally wrestled all night long. Jacob would not let go, saying, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” God renamed this tenacious man, “Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” The new name that God gave him, “Israel,” literally means, “he who prevails with God.”
Yesterday, we focused on some of the major ways in which the marriage covenant mirrors the gracious covenants that God makes with us. Today, we’ll focus on a few which are less direct … but then we’ll close with perhaps the most important of all.
· A True Covenant often involves a Change of Name.
This was our story for today. When God made a covenant with Abram, Abram’s name was changed to match his new covenantal identity – “Abraham.” This new name means “father of many nations.” That’s who Abraham was in God’s eyes. And because of God’s covenant, that’s who Abraham would become.
It’s not biblically mandated that a bride change her name. But isn’t it powerfully symbolic! The new name testifies to a new reality.
· A True Covenant often has Signs which Stand as a Witness.
When God makes a covenant, he often gives a sign. For example, in Genesis 9 when God covenanted to never again flood the earth, he gave a rainbow as the “sign.” It was to be an eternal reminder.
In weddings, we have “signs” too of this union. Our wedding rings are a perfect and powerful example.
Wedding rings – like name changes – aren’t biblically mandated. You can certainly be married without a ring. Nevertheless, the ring is often used in the same covenantal sense that God used the rainbow. It’s a sign. It’s a testimony. All you have to do is look at a person – at their finger – and you know! This person is advertising that they’re covenanted and committed to another human being.
· A True Covenant generally has Witnesses to Testify.
Throughout Scripture, the Hebrews often set up pillars of stone to witness and testify to the covenants -- see Genesis 31:44-54, for example. They would hold yearly festivals to celebrate significant encounters with God.
Weddings (like many binding contracts) are regularly required to have witnesses. Someone has to sign and testify that these pledges were indeed made.
(As a fun side note: Think about all our wedding pictures. These are witnesses too! They testify gloriously to the grandness of the occasion.)
· The Purpose of a True Covenant is to Glorify God
Actually, this is the most important one. Read it carefully …
Biblically, the glorification of God was always the true purpose of the covenant. We don’t deserve it. We don’t deserve anything. Nevertheless, the creator of heaven and earth – in his grace – reaches down to us. Through his covenant, God is promising blessings and provisions to us. And our purpose in this covenant is to celebrate God’s love, grace, provision, and power. We glorify God when we honor our commitments.
Question: Is this how you view marriage?!
Most people look at marriage selfishly – “How does it benefit me.” Some look at marriage altruistically – “How can I bless the other person.” Both are incomplete. When we look at our marriage in terms of “How can I glorify God?” then three great things will happen. First, you will be blessed. Second, your beloved will be blessed. Third, the world will be given a witness to the true source of all love!
QUESTION: see below
In Christ’s Love,
a guy who’s name
– 1Edward 2Lee 3Thomas –
literally means
1guardian of the 3twin 2pastures
(and by the way, did you know
that “Pastor” means shepherd;
I guess I’m destined
to guard the pastures and
shepherd God’s sheep)
QUESTION: This is the same process as yesterday. Rate how you do at each of these covenantal tasks. Answering the following questions will perhaps give you clues as to how to enrich the covenant of your marriage.
__ A True Covenant often involves a Change of Name. Whether you officially “changed your name” or not with your wedding, can people look at you and see clearly the united goals and purposes?
__ A True Covenant often has a Sign which stands as a Witness. What are the signs – perhaps the things you like to do together – that mark you and your family as united?
__ A True Covenant generally has Witnesses to Testify. There were witnesses there on your wedding day. They celebrated your love. When people watch the two of you today, do they still joyfully testify to your faith, fidelity, friendship, and love?
__ The Purpose of a True Covenant is to Glorify God. On a day-to-day basis, what really is the purpose of your marriage?
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