GOD’S PURPOSES FOR THE FAMILY (3)

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” – Matthew 19:5

GOD’S PURPOSES for the FAMILY can be viewed in terms of Companionship, Procreation, and Redemption: “Have you nor read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” (Mt.19: 4-5). The Pharisees came to the Lord Jesus with a curious question concerning divorce, in a bid to tempt Him (v.3). Yet, His answer, which ordinarily would have been thought irrelevant and out of point, has brought much light. He spoke with such finality and precision that leaves no one in doubt of His position at the very beginning of all things, including the Marriage and Family Institutions: “from the beginning, it was not so” (v.8b).

Marriage and Family are God’s ordinations, and He has a good reason for designing both the way He did. From the beginning God designed Marriage and Family for three primary purposes: Companionship, Procreation, and Redemption. Although modernity has tried to erode the divine standard, these purposes are still relevant today and are essential for a healthy society. A family grounded in God’s principles will be much more likely to succeed than one that doesn’t have this foundation. Let’s take a closer look at these:

Companionship: “And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him” (Gen.2:18). God designed marriage so that man and woman could have a close relationship, one that’s based on love, trust, and communication and provides a picture of our relationship with the Lord. Marriage is where husband and wife can come together to share their lives and experiences. A healthy marriage should be a refuge from the world where couples can find comfort and support in the arms of each other, under the Banner of God’s Love.

Procreation: “He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to you spirit, and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth” (Mal.2:15b). God designed Family so couples could have children and raise them in loving homes. Children are a blessing from God. They have a special place in His Heart, and it’s important that they be raised in homes and families where they can learn about and live out God’s Love. Verses 13 and 14 in todays’ meditation text read: “Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Ideally, children need two parents who can provide love and guidance.

Redemption: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and YOUR HOUSEHOLD” (Acts 16:31). Redemption is another vital purpose of Marriage and Family. God designed Family so that the man and woman could come together, being saved from their sins, and nurture godly children after their kind. When husband and wife join in holy matrimony, they commit to God’s plan for their lives, including raising children in a God-fearing home and helping each other stay on the path of salvation. A healthy marriage is built on Jesus Christ and His Word. In fact, Marriage illustrates Christ’s Union with His Church (Eph.5: 23-32).

Companionship, Procreation, and Redemption remain highly relevant as key Purposes of Marriage and Family. Companionship is important because it provides a close relationship between husband and wife. They can share their lives and experiences. Procreation is crucial because God designed marriage so that couples could have children. Children are a blessing from God (Psa.127:3). It is of utmost importance that they be raised in a God-fearing home. Redemption is important because when husband and wife come together in holy matrimony, they commit to God’s plan and purpose for their lives and the lives of their offspring.