Relationship between husband and wife

Dear Friends:

This Sunday our lectionary theme is the relationship between husband and wife under God's supportive love. For my main text I've decided to go back to the beginning of things, namely, back to Genesis chapter 2, verses 18-24. This is the story of how Eve was made from the rib of Adam..

A couple of things to remember about the Book of Genesis. First of all, none of the stories in chapters 1-3 are to be taken literally. They are allegories, that is, stories that convey theological truth through image and symbol. Jesus spoke allegorically all the time -- just think about the parables!! We know that these stories are meant to point us to greater truth because the Hebrew word "Adam" means "all men", and the word for "Eve" means "all women".

In addition, to even the casual reader, Genesis chapter 1 and chapter 2 both tell the Creation story in two different way. Technically, they are called "strands" of tradition, that is, they were passed down from generation to generation as oral tradition in seperate circles. But why have both? Simple. Because each one tells us different information about God and how He relates to humanity. Chapter 1 tells us that God created all existence in a very orderly pattern. Physical laws are in effect, and in fact, they even witness to the glory of God in Creation!! Chapter 1 tells us that humanity is the pinnacle of God's Creation. Chapter 2 tells us that we human beings share God's Spirit, and therefore can relate to God in a very unique, intimate, personal way. Sin ruined that relationship. Jesus Christ came to restore it.

Now unfortunately, history has sometimes used the Eve created from Adam story as a way to oppress women in society. Actually, this story shows the equal but complimentary roles men and women serve with each in created existence. It shows that marriage is always between a man and a woman, and is both God-given and God-blessed. And this passage demonstrates how much the Lord really loves us.

This Sunday we're going to get into all this in greater detail. I'll see you then.