Luke 2:41-52
Suggest Further Reading: Ephesians 5:22-33
We can learn from the conduct of Joseph and Mary. They regularly honored God’s appointed ordinances and they honored them together. The distance from Nazareth to Jerusalem was about eighty miles—a long distance on foot (only the rich had a donkey). Thus, it was an arduous ordeal and to various degrees expensive to travel to Jerusalem. But God had given Israel a command that honored Him and blessed His people. Joseph and Mary obeyed it together—always together.
It should be the same today for Christian husbands and wives. We need to help our mate in all spiritual things and to encourage one another in the service of God. Marriage, unquestionably, is not a sacrament, as the Roman church vainly believes. But marriage is a condition of life that produces the greatest effect on those of us who enter it. It helps or retards our spiritual growth. It leads us nearer to heaven or nearer to hell. It all depends upon the company we keep. Our characters are insensibly molded by those with whom we pass our time—and this is doubly true for married couples. Husbands and wives are continually doing good or harm to one another’s souls.
Let all of us who are married (or contemplate marriage), carefully ponder this matter. Let us learn from the example of Joseph and Mary and resolve to imitate them. Let them pray together, and read the Bible together, go to the house of God together, and talk to one another about spiritual matters. Above all, let us beware of throwing obstacles and discouragements in our married partner’s way about the using every means of grace. Blessed are those who say to their partners as Leah and Rachel did to Jacob in Genesis 31:16.
Lanny Tanton is the Pastor at The Bible Church of the Lakes in Horseshoe Bay, Texas – just outside of Marble Falls. Pastor Tanton welcomes you to our website and hopes that you’ll enjoy reading these insightful blog posts. Please contact us if you have further questions!!
