Marriage...A Sign and Wonder

Have you given much thought as to the signs and wonders of God's love in these times? To be honest, I hadn't until I was prompted to consider our marriage as a sign and wonder by Pete and Geri Scazzero at a recent marriage retreat. Could a healthy, vibrant and intimate marriage be a sign and wonder for the love of Jesus in these times? 

In reading this article posted by The University of Virginia Magazine, you will discover the answer to this question.

The Bible speaks of many signs and wonders that testify to the presence of our living God in both the Old and New Testaments. Here are just a few examples.

Old Testament:


1.  The sun stood still at Joshua's command. Joshua 10:12-14 
2.  Water flowed from a rock when Moses struck it. Exodus 17:5, 7 (Psalms 78:15-16, 20) 
3.  The Red Sea parted so that God's people could cross. Exodus 14:22, Hebrews 11:29 
4.  An iron ax floated on water. 2 Kings 6:5-6 

New Testament:

Jesus Himself performed many mighty signs and wonders among the people. John 20:30; 21:25

1.  He changed water into wine. John 2:1-11
2.  He walked on water. Matthew 14:22-33 (Mark 6:42-52; John 6:16-21) 
3.  He took money from the mouth of a fish. Matthew 17:24-27
4.  He fed the multitudes with a few loaves and fishes. Matthew 16:8-10 5. At His word the dead were raised to life.
     a. The widow's son. Luke 7:11-16
     b. Jairus' daughter. Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26 (Mark 5:22-24, 35-43; Luke 8:41-42, 49-56) 
     c. Lazarus. John   11:146; 12:9

5.  The early church experienced many miracles as well. Acts 2:43;4:16; 5:12; 14:3, Romans 15:19 2 Corinthians 12:12

Miracles, signs and wonders serve as a confirmation of a person's ministry or message.

Monique and I are convinced that Christian marriages are to be “signs and wonders” of Christ’s love demonstrated to a lost and hurting world. Have you ever thought of marriage, your marriage, as a “sign and wonder” of His love?

The apostle Paul said this; “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—-but I’m talking about Christ and the church. Ephesians 5:31-32 

Marriage, Christ and the church, a profound mystery, a mega revelation or unveiling of the God of love. Wow! In Christian marriage, we are making visible something that is invisible. There is no other love on the face of the earth that is permanent, God’s love. He gives us, in marriage, an opportunity to express the permanence of His love. He has given us the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live an other-centered life in the context of marriage. We have the resources in Him.

When you got married, you didn’t just get married in the church; you’re married for the church.

How are Monique and I practicing the ways of loving well? In many ways, we liken it to the way we used help young people develop their basketball skills. It is a daily working out, a daily practice of listening, clarifying expectations, living in humility, putting the other first, speaking each other’s love language, etc. It is a deep and rich discipleship that brings great rewards. This is the place we teach from in our workshops, small groups and mentoring.

Just like the craziness of NCAA March Madness, sometimes it is messy, but He leads us into a powerful reconciliation that demonstrates His grace and love. 


We will continue this conversation regarding the sign and wonder your marriage can become later this month. We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.



 

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