Starting marriage Week 46, 2013

When is a couple deemed to have married? Is it when the bride price has been paid? Or if a man and woman are living faithfully together i.e. co-habiting are they married? The woman that had married 5 times before and then was living with another man was clearly told by Jesus she was not married to him. You have been married to five men, and the man you live with now is not really your husband. You have told me the truth Jn 4:18(GNB). Faithful cohabitation is not marriage. Both adults must consent (1Cor 7:39), yet more is required.

Parental consent is important before marriage. It is so important that Abraham made it a precondition for Isaac to marry Rebecca: Only then will you be released from fulfilling my oath. However, when you come to my family, if they don't give her to you, you'll be released from fulfilling my oath Gen 24:41(ISV). However Joseph and Mary, ever before any angelic visitation, were very clear on the fact that though they had parental consent, societal recognition, and were even referred to as husband and wife the engagement period was not to have any sexual activity (Lk1:27, 34; Mt1:18-19). Get parental consent; get the blessing of the Lord also. The first marriage did not start with the creation of Eve, but their joyful consent after her presentation by God to Adam.

It is quite common-place for people to refer to themselves (or to betrothed) as husband or wife after the native law and custom rites are done. Many couples have moved in with the excuse the dowry has been paid.  Perhaps our system of credit which permits goods to be enjoyed when part payment has commenced is affecting us. Our transformed bodies are waiting for the time we shall be united to Jesus in the skies and ever be with the Lord (1Cor15:52; 1Thess4:16-17). I want you to note that even Old Testament saints as David regarded bride price as engagement. Then David sent a delegation to Saul's son Ish-bosheth to say, "Give me my wife Michal, to whom I was engaged with a dowry of 100 Philistine foreskins." 2Sam 3:14(ISV).  Marriage does not begin at engagement.

Do judges and magistrates not represent God? I think they would tell you when intending couples stand before them that they represent the state. Court weddings are legally binding, but I expect the disciple to wait for something more: a minister of the gospel’s blessing. I speak to the family of God.  I want state recognition for my marriage, and God is the one who joins us. Jesus says: Therefore what God has joined together… the priest who represents God (Dt17:12) has to make the pronouncement first, thus joining you. Face it, who do we assign the role of representing God when a parent, a judge, and a minister of the gospel all come in a meeting? Beloved that has paid dowry; that has started or completed the native law and custom: you are promised in marriage, there yet remaineth a joining by God. Keep off every sexual activity! Why risk offending God, brethren, and unbelievers for what you will have for a lifetime? Be without offense both to Jews and Greeks, and to the assembly of God 1Cor 10:32(LITV).