Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
Isaiah 54:5
54:5 For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
Like every other one of God’s good gifts entrusted to the keeping of humanity, marriage has been perverted by sin; but it is the purpose of the gospel to restore its purity and beauty. In both the Old and the New Testament the marriage relation is employed to represent the tender and sacred union that exists between Christ and His people, the redeemed ones whom He has purchased at the cost of Calvary. {MB 64}
If Ellen White only knew how sinfully perverted marriage has become. I don’t know if in her visions she saw what was to happen to the sacred union between a husband and wife, a man and a woman. The abomination that it has become, marriage between a man and a man, a woman and a woman, or in some countries, even between man and beast. What a disgrace. The Bible calls these things an abomination. What can a Christian do? We must pray for and educate those who have lost their way by following mammon instead of the Word of God. Christ Jesus gave His life for sinners, that they may be saved. We must follow the gospel to help restore the purity and beauty of marriage, that we may be prepared for the ultimate wedding ceremony.
Our Father, which art in heaven,
We come to you with all our burdens and lay them at the foot of Your throne. We are sorry, and humbly repent of our sins. We ask for Your forgiveness. This world has perverted the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman. Help us educate and lead those who are lost to Your everlasting gospel, that they may know the truth. The institution of marriage that You gave us from the beginning of time is truly a gift that we must cherish. Give us Your strength and courage to boldly uphold and proclaim what is truth, for it is Your truth that will help prepare the way for the marriage feast that is even at the door. We thank You for all of Your blessings and it’s in the name of Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.
