One of the highlights for me this summer was to do something that I hadn’t done for many years – perform the wedding ceremony of Kyle & Natalie – a most meaningful event for any young couple starting on their life journey together.
As part of the ceremony, I read from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Eccl. 4:9-12 NLT
The focus of these verses demonstrates the benefit of two people being together, which is a great image of marriage. The end of the reference is adjusted to three when it refers to a cord or rope of “three strands” being not easily broken. This too, is a beautiful picture of marriage because it includes God – clearly adding extra strength to the bond.
At the ceremony, I shared how a rope of three strands is 50% stronger than a double stranded rope of the same diameter. It is also much better at resisting shock. In reality, life can throw us some curve balls so having one another and God will help sustain us whatever comes our way.
This ultimately illustrates that when we enter into the marriage covenant by saying “I do,” God truly enters into covenant with us!
About a month before the wedding ceremony, I read a devotional by Paul David Tripp which did not refer to marriage specifically but defined how God covenants with his people. I thought it was quite appropriate to share this during the ceremony:
Today you covenant with one another before God, but on this day God also makes a covenant promise to you that is sure & reliable!
Words to Kyle & Natalie on August 12, 2023
You have been granted all that you need, to be what God has called you to be and to do the things that God has called you to do in the place where he has put you.
So here’s how it works. God has promised to supply and empower; your job is to follow him by faith where you live every day. You don’t wait for provision before you move. God has not promised that you will see it beforehand. You don’t try to figure out what God is going to do next and how he will meet your needs; you move forward in the certainty that he is with you, for you and in you. This God of awesome power will grant you power to do what is needed. This is his sure and reliable promise to you.
Paul David Tripp, New Morning Mercies, July 6
It was my privilege to be the first to introduce Mr. & Mrs. Kyle & Natalie Davis.
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