When we fell without Christ our life was a disaster, but in Christ, Jesus always lifts us up when we fall. Because He was lifted up on the cross He shows us His wounds in His hands and feet and lovingly lifts our heads to see the work He has done on Calvary’s hill. The wounds, marks and scars on His body show the love God has for us and that He will always lift us up when we fall, not point His powerful finger at us but show the wounds He purchased for us, is the same hand that lifts us.
This grace and mercy found at the cross isn’t for married couples alone but for companions, mates, siblings and the like. The cross shows “the labor of love” and the benefit of having Jesus take us by the hand and lift us up. God is not pointing out our sin and circumstances which once condemned us but rather He is pointing us to the Savior who was condemned for us. Jesus took our sins upon Himself, perished with them, then was lifted out of the grave on the third day to pour upon us His grace, forgiveness, mercy and love.
“Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?” Ecclesiastes 4:11
Sylvia wrote; "I love the mornings when my husband and I prayer walk together, I treasure the moments we worship together, study God’s word and or make decisions together. This is all a part of sharing marriage together and keeping each other warm, staying united at the cross and in every aspect of our lives, not doing it alone. We stay warm physically by lying down together and we stay warm (on fire) spiritually by coming to the cross together where our hearts are again taken up and set ablaze by the love of Christ."
Question 4: How do you help your spouse when they fall short? Please share.
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Sylvia wrote; "Ladies, I remember these struggles in my marriage when I was down and had no spouse to give me a hand or help me up. It was a cold lonely season for me. I spent many days down in the trenches with no spouse to come rescue or look for me. But, as I reflect on all thoese times I am reminded that I was never alone, my Savior never left me nor forsook me. (Deut. 31:6) His great love gave me the courage and strength to persevere as He reached down, lifting me out of the trenches. He held me close so I would not look back but encouraged me to look up and keep my eyes on the cross and all He did for me. (1 Thess. 5:16-18) I continued to pray without ceasing for my spouse to embrace the love of Christ. (Ephesians 5:23) (My husband needed a Savior, he was in shackles, he was in prison and he needed to be rescued, he needed a redeemer). Jesus continued to envelop me in His love. Though I spent many cold days and nights feeling alone, His fulfillment in me was enough to carry me through 17 years of the unknown and keep me warm, safe and sheltered."
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12
Brothers and sisters, we have seen that two are better for various reasons, they have a better return for their labor and one can be helped up when the other has fallen. What a beautiful picture marriage is then, how Christ is wed to His bride (the church) and how He nourishes and cherishes her (Ephesians 5:27). The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are the ultimate ‘threefold cord’ that can never be broken living in you! Whether you are married or not, Jesus is the One who picks you up when you fall. He is the One who has defended you and defeated the enemy when you were overpowered by sin.
Imagine the power and strength of the cross in our marriages as Christ interweaves two imperfect people in actions and attitudes with His perfect love. Husband and wife interwoven with gospel power, a threefold cord that is not quickly broken.
Question 6. Please summarize today’s lesson and share what you learned or were reminded of.
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