Lesson Three: IMAGES FROM MARRIAGE
Memory Text: Revelation 19:9 (NKJV)
‘ Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” ‘
Introduction: This week, we’re looking at how the images of marriage in the Bible help us to better understand the prophecies in the Bible. In addition, the marital symbolism of the harlot and the bride, as used in prophecy, illustrates the failure and success of God’s relationship with fallen humanity.
SABBATH: Marriage and the Sabbath are the two gifts that God blessed humanity with, even after the fall of man. Marriage is a school where God intends that the spouses learn more about His love for humanity and His relationship with humanity. In addition, marriage provides an opportunity for us to understand the extent to which God went as far as saving us from eternal consequences brought by sin is concerned.
SUNDAY: Unlike the increase in the degredation of marriages in the world today, God intended for humanity to enjoy faithful everlasting marriages amongst themselves. Just like a man ought to leave his parents and cleave to his wife and become one flesh, so does God intend that we have an intimate relationship with Him. In addition, Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees who questioned him about divorce that had been allowed during Moses’ time. However, Jesus replied to them that it was brought about due to the hard-heartedness of the people at that time.
(READ Genesis 2:23-25; Ephesians 5:29-32; Matthew 19:7)
MONDAY: Ezekiel chapter 16 accounts of a unique marriage where God is the husband to the nation Israel, which is depicted as a baby that was left and neglected at birth, yet He took her in and cared for her till she grew into a beautiful woman. This highlights how beautiful Israel indeed was, and this beauty was a gift from God, entirely because of His favour on her. However, she developed pride due to her beauty. This leads to trouble because it is contrary to reflecting the goodness and glory of God which He had intended for her beauty.
(READ Ezekiel 16:4-14; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
TUESDAY: Harlotry is unfaithfulness to one’s spouse. In the Bible, harlotry is defined as departing from God and taking on other gods. Israel did this in the sight of God, and for them, and us now, to be able to understand how painful this infidelity was to God, God instructed Hosea to marry a harlot and take on her children so that we could understand the pain of human sin and rebellion. Yet, even after being constantly cheated on, God takes on Israel and restores her. As the end time approaches, God still reaches out to His people, so that they may receive the gift of redemption from eternal death offered through Jesus Christ.
(READ Hosea 1:2; 3:1; Revelation 17:1&2; 18:1-4)
WEDNESDAY: Abraham, aware of the pagan practices that the Canaanites observed, chose to pick a spouse for Isaac from among his relatives while having the covenant promise he had with God, in mind. This step that Abraham took, shows how God, as well, initiated the everlasting covenant with His people. In addition, Rebekah willingly agrees to this life-long marital commitment with Isaac, which shows us how God intends to lovingly connect with us eternally, as well as us willingly accepting Him. Furthermore, being created in God’s image makes us relatives with our Creator and are considered God’s rightful bride despite separation by sin.
(READ Genesis 15:5; 24:1-4, 57-67)
THURSDAY: At the time of the world in future, in harlotry against God, when people shall feel so much hardness in their heart, unable to feel repentant of their sins, is when God will wipe away the earth. However, even then, we shall feel sorry for the lost souls, but joyful enough that sin will have been eradicated, and we’ll have learnt the dangers of turning away from God.
(READ Revelation 19:1-9; 21:1-4)
FRIDAY: While layers of meaning are to be found just about everywhere in Scripture, we must always remember that God has a way of taking real events that involve real people and using them to teach us things about future interactions with the church. Furthermore, God has revealed these things to us, and His blessing will attend the reverent, prayerful study of the prophetic scriptures.
(READ John 2:1-11; Matthew 22:1-14; 2 Corinthians 11:1-5; 25:1-13; Amos 3:7; Deuteronomy 29:29, The Desire of Ages, p 149 and 234 by Ellen G White)
CAPTIONS:
SUNDAY; One flesh
MONDAY; The beautiful bride
TUESDAY; Hosea’s harlot wife
WEDNESDAY; Isaac and Rebekah
THURSDAY; The harlot is judged
FRIDAY; Further thought
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS;
- Here are three principles for marriage. First, forgive your spouse, however undeserving, just as Christ forgives us, however undeserving. Second, accept your spouse, faults and all, just as Christ accepts us, faults and all. Third, just as Christ put us before Himself, put your spouse before yourself. How could all three of these Gospel-based principles not only help us understand how God relates to us but also help any marriage?
- What are the dangers of us trusting in our “own beauty”? That is, how might we think that there is anything in and of ourselves that gives us merit with God or makes us deserving of His love? How can we always guard against spiritual pride?
