The First Wedding
Scripture Reading — Genesis 2:18-25
The LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
Genesis 2:22
In Genesis 2 we find a close-up of the first wedding ever celebrated. It took place in Paradise at the beginning of history, and it was one of the most impressive events ever. The setting was more beautiful than at any other wedding. The first bride and groom, Adam and Eve, were surrounded by the unstained, breathtaking beauty of God’s creation. No modern-day florist or outdoor photographer could begin to capture the beauty of that setting.
Most impressive about that first wedding, though, was that God himself conducted the ceremony: “the LORD God made a woman … and he brought her to the man.” This is the Bible’s way of telling us that marriage is from God, established as a creation ordinance. Marriage was not invented by a human being; it was instituted by God when he created us “male and female” (Genesis 1:27) and brought Adam and Eve together.
Marriage, then, is sacred. All who marry receive a special gift from God’s own hands. And because marriage is from God, we need to listen carefully to God’s expectations for marriage.
Many people see the outcome of their marriage as a toss-up. But marriage has the God-given potential to be a powerful source of blessing to all who follow the instructions of the One who ordained it.
Father in heaven, help us to realize that marriage is from you. Give us the grace to help us make our marriages and all other relationships what you intend them to be. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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