Genesis 2:20-24

So far in the first two chapters of Genesis we have been introduced to the pillars of God's kingdom on earth; a world with the creator God at the centre of it; a creature-creator relationship; God and man both at work; a time to rest; a prosperous place to live and now we are shown the final pillar of a perfect world - the family. It is interesting to reflect on how those pillars face constant attack in our world.

God's design and purpose for marriage and sexuality is explicitly revealed in this foundational passage. God sought a 'helper' for man, but amongst all the animal world one could not be found. God had given Adam dominion over the animals and clearly this type of relationship was not meeting Adam's needs. Adam needed a 'partner', an equal, someone like him. So God got to work again and this time took from the very flesh and bone of Adam to create woman. The relationship was different from Adam's relationship with the rest of creation - now there was someone who was like him. The tone of passage is not one in which woman is a subject of man or of man being superior to woman, rather it is full of mystery and respect. Mystery in the sense that this woman had come out of man and respect in the response of Adam to the discovery of his equal.

v24 presents us with the model for marriage. Firstly we learn that marriage is intended to follow a particular transition in our lives - the time when we have matured and are ready to leave the security of our family homes. Marriage and sexual intimacy should be reserved until we are ready for the responsibility that accompanies it. Secondly we are shown that marriage is synonymous with permanence. The man is to cling to his wife. It would be interesting to clarify the meaning of the word cling - for me it suggests that at times that state of permanence will require determination and persistence to ensure it is maintained. Finally we are reminded that this relationship is unique - it transcends beyond the intimacy of a friendship and is consummated through sexual union. The outward expression of the state of permanence you have entered into is expressed in 'becoming one flesh'. This phrase seems to be alive with meaning that extends beyond just physically intimacy. It suggests the weaving together of two lives in a way that is inseparable – physically, spiritually, emotionally and socially.

The context for sex has been set – a man and a woman, a permanent relationship and the complete integration of two lives. Those conditions are most certainly under challenge today and when you consider the results of our rejection of this wisdom it screams at us to return to God’s design.