Where Love Dwells Within (3)

Rev. G.J. Van Aalst, Klaaswaal, the Netherlands

His Help and Assistance

A somber beginning?

Just imagine, on one of the most beautiful days of your life, which the marriage day may certainly be called, you come to God’s house to request a blessing upon your marriage where you hear, “Whereas married persons are generally, by reason of sin, subject to many troubles and afflictions.” Is that not a discordant note on such a joyous day? Could that not be said differently, somewhat more cheerfully or more optimistically, in any event? This is an oft-heard criticism upon the introduction of our marriage form.

In the Form for the Confirmation of Marriage, however, we are treated very honestly. If it would portray to us an atmosphere of sunshine and roses, that would certainly not be honest. Unfortunately, that is not what married life comprises. In spite of all the beauty which definitely is attached to it, it remains true that it is a marriage which is sealed outside of Paradise. That means that it is not a marriage between two angels but between two children of Adam. The fruits of that become visible ... by reason of sin. The cause of sin is honestly confessed. That is the reality, also in the lives of those who would live their life according to Scripture. It is apparent in these introductory words that the message in the form is simple and true to life. A marriage ceremony, therefore, should not be a show, where an unrealistic atmosphere is created.

Certain assistance

What is really the intent of this apparently somber introduction? Certainly not that you would halfway change your mind. Whereas married persons are generally, by reason of sin, subject to many troubles and afflictions— that you place a period after this sentence and not read any further is not what is meant here. Just read on: that you may be assured in your hearts of the certain assistance of God in your afflictions. That is the message. Actually, it states that even though you will not be spared many disappointments as a result of sin, yet you may be assured that the Almighty God can and will help you when cares come up in your married life. That somber introduction, therefore, actually has a very positive aim.

This promise of God’s certain assistance is repeated several times in the form. So that you may be assured in your hearts of the certain assistance of God in your afflictions. That He will aid and protect all married persons even when they are least deserving of it. That means that when there seems to be no future, when it is so dark because of sin or corruption so that you dare not count on or hope for relief, even then God will provide help.

Do you now see that instead of a somber introduction there actually is a beautiful and honest beginning? Here it is very plainly placed before us that no matter how events will go in our married life, there are no cares or concerns too great or too high for the Lord, for He stands above it all.

Perhaps someone will ask, “May you just say to everyone that the Lord will help you when there is a need? That may be true for all of God’s children, but is it also true for everyone who gets married in church?” Just listen. This promise of God’s certain help or assistance has two pillars as its foundation. The first pillar is the institution of marriage at the time of Creation as God’s Word has revealed in Genesis 2. Not man, but the Lord Himself has instituted marriage. It is an institution of God which is pleasing to Him. Wherefore He also will (as He hath promised) bless and assist the married persons. The second pillar is the recreating grace which is in Christ Jesus which was so clearly demonstrated by the Mediator for the first time at the marriage in Cana. The beauty of the institution of marriage at the time of Creation has been marred by sin, but through recreating grace it shall be restored in commencement for the entire elect Church of Christ as His bride.

The fact that you are in church under the proclamation of God’s grace in Christ shows that it is also still possible for you. That is why, time after time, we may with a great amount of freedom place this before our young people at the beginning of their marriage. Conversion is necessary for you, but it is also still possible. You must be born again; it is still possible for you to be converted. As long as the sun and the moon endure God’s name must be extended from generation to generation. Herein marriage has such an essential place. It is better if you can ask the Lord to confirm the power of free grace in your life rather than just talk about it. Then you may live your life in childlike fear and dependency. Is that not something that should make you jealous?

God’s compassion

The form really, therefore, does not have a somber beginning; it does, however, place us before reality. On the one hand, you are lost outside of a lost Paradise, and on the other hand, you may live under the administration of God’s covenant of grace where the heavenly Bridegroom still calls us to His wedding feast. It concerns God’s own institution at the time of Creation and His regenerating grace. You should never forget that you need this grace to be a good husband for your wife; neither can you miss that in being a good wife for your husband. That is why the power of God’s making-alive Spirit is so necessary for a blessed marriage. That should often keep you busy in the days prior to your wedding day.

May it be your continuing prayer and request—how will I be able to say yes and keep that promise? I dare to say to you that what is impossible with you is possible with God. The words of “Open, saith the Lord, wide thy mouth, believing” are just as true for young adults as when you have become older. What you are lacking, the Lord can provide. Is that not the reason that you go to church on your wedding day? Therewith you make the confession—we cannot do it in our own strength. Is it not great that it is just there that you may hear that God will be a Helper in all of your needs? Wherefore He also will (as He has promised) bless and assist the married persons. Should that not give us courage for the unknown future?

(To be continued)

Deze tekst is geautomatiseerd gemaakt en kan nog fouten bevatten. Digibron werkt voortdurend aan correctie. Klik voor het origineel door naar de pdf. Voor opmerkingen, vragen, informatie: contact.

Op Digibron -en alle daarin opgenomen content- is het databankrecht van toepassing. Gebruiksvoorwaarden. Data protection law applies to Digibron and the content of this database. Terms of use.

Printen