A Cord of Three Strands
Scripture makes it very clear about marriage and that two are better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Although believe it or not, not everyone is called to marriage as with the case of the Apostle Paul and his own viewpoint (1Corithians 7:26-27, 32-35). Being single can have its benefit as well as its loss. Same is true with chidren. Some are blessed to have children and some are blessed not to have children. Being fruitful to multiply is not just to be interpreted as numerical and/or physical but spiritual fruit, fruit that lasts.
As the husband and wife daily surrender themselves and begin to seek Christ for a deeper walk at the foot of the cross, Christ then draws them to Himself.
The three cord strand, a rope you might say, is a description of a three-fold intimate covenantal relationship. Christ as the head and center strand, the husband next and then the wife. Christ desires for the husband and wife to seek Him and long for His Word and wisdom for godly living. As the husband and wife daily surrender themselves and begin to seek Christ for a deeper walk at the foot of the cross, Christ then draws them to Himself. Through the Word, prayer and the Holy Spirit God strengthens each spouse and they become more conformed to his likeness and wrapped around Christ and one another. This creates a three cord strand, a tight strand that is not easily broken because Christ longs to make a home with those who seek Him.
The Third Strand
For a Christian marriage to work you must have another lover. That lover is the spousal love of Jesus Christ. It is beautiful when experienced and it sets you free to love and be loved. You cannot give back to your mate what you have not received. Finding complete satisfaction in Christ first and foremost is the most important aspect of any relationship. Your wife cannot fill it or meet it, nor can your husband, nor can your children, nor your ministry, nor any other thing. Only Christ can satisfy all of your needs. This is the most important and foremost concept for any couple desiring to improve their marriage. Both need to be humble and broken before God and then learn the skills that will help enrich their marriage.
When a husband and wife become one with Christ not just positonally but practically, a three cord strand is a great witness to their children of the spousal love of God and the gospel message. It may not always be true because each child is his/her own being but this three cord strand bond shows children that God is true, He is loving, and marriage does and can work. How a husband and wife relate to one another greatly affects the family. Kids need to see Christ-like marriages and see their parents continue to court one another.
What is a way that God has shown you that Jesus is essential to your marriage?