RPG Adults
PROVIDENCE, RELATIONSHIPS AND MARRIAGE (5)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28
Ruth 4:1-10
1 Corinthians 7:25-40
“…he that is married
careth for the things
…how he may please his wife.”
PROVIDENCE, RELATIONSHIPS AND MARRIAGE (5)
As the nearer kinsman learned of what was involved, and what was meant, in the choice he was called to make, he had a change of mind and withdrew his offer. This in part also presented to us the purpose of premarital counselling. Many a time, premarital counselling is considered a tool to help couples understand one another and develop healthy patterns for their coming marital union. This is only one side of it. The other side is that it must also help the couple seeking to enter into a marital relationship know what they are entering into, and re-evaluate their intents and their calling. Thus, there is still room for the relationship to be dissolved and the wedding to be called off during the process of premarital counselling.
“…I cannot redeem it for myself…” (Ruth 4:6). The kinsman, upon knowing what was involved in the decision, changed his mind. He had his reasons for wanting the property belonging to Naomi, but his reasons were not aligned with God’s will in the redemption of property. No property could be permanently sold, for all property had to be returned to its original owners in the year of Jubilee. In order for the property to be returned to Elimelech in the future, there had to be a son raised up for the dead. This was a price that the kinsman was not willing to pay. The good part was that he did the honourable thing by reviewing his offer before declining to redeem the property. No one should enter into marriage without serious consideration and counsel. This applies not only to the young men and ladies, but also to the widows and widowers. Marriage must not be for material gain and prosperity, and one must not go into it considering only what they may get out of the marriage. Rather, it must be a consideration of what their roles, duties and responsibilities will be. One who is not ready to be a husband and a father or take up the duties of a husband and a father, is not ready for marriage and should not seek a relationship with any woman. Similarly, the same applies to every woman. Once you choose to marry or be married, you have no choice but to fulfil the duties, roles and obligations of the married.
THOUGHT: (Read Ephesians 5:33.)
PRAYER: Father, give me grace to abide in Thy will for my life.