A Godly Marriage 2

Caroline Kent • December 3, 2024

A Reflection of the Trinity

The concept of the godly marriage reflecting the Trinity arises from the biblical understanding of unity and diversity in relationships, grounded in the nature of God as revealed in Scripture. The Trinity, as one essence and three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—offers a profound model for understanding the relational dynamics within a Christian marriage. Let us consider the theological and practical implications of this parallel.


The Unity of Essence in Marriage


The Trinity is united in essence, sharing the same divine nature, purpose, and will. In marriage, this unity is echoed as husband and wife become "one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). This union reflects a deep bond, not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally. Just as the three persons of the Godhead operate in perfect harmony, so a godly marriage should strive for unity in purpose, values, and devotion to God. This unity does not obliterate individuality; rather, it enhances the distinct roles and personalities of each spouse, bound together by their shared covenantal love.


"Communion with God is the soul of all our privileges, and the foundation of all our duties. It is a living and active communion, in which the Father, Son, and Spirit each communicates His love unto us distinctly, and in which we return distinct love and worship unto each person." John Owen - 'Communion with God'.


The Distinction of Persons


The Trinity is one essence, yet the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have distinct roles. The Father sends the Son (John 3:16), the Son accomplishes redemption (John 19:30), and the Spirit applies it to believers (John 14:26). Similarly, in marriage, the husband and wife have distinct roles as outlined in Scripture. The husband is called to lead in sacrificial love, as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25), while the wife is called to submit as the church submits to Christ (Ephesians 5:22-24). These roles are complementary, designed to work in harmony, reflecting the relational beauty and order within the Trinity.


Mutual Love and Submission


In the Trinity, there is mutual love and honour among the persons. The Son willingly submits to the Father (John 6:38), and the Spirit glorifies the Son (John 16:14). This dynamic of love and submission is echoed in marriage, where mutual respect and self-sacrifice are paramount. Paul exhorts spouses to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21). This mutual submission does not negate headship or authority but frames it within the context of self-giving love, mirroring the love and deference within the Godhead.


"The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved." Matthew Henry - Commentary on Genesis 2:22


The Reflection of God’s Image


Marriage was instituted by God to reflect His image (Genesis 1:27-28). Just as the Trinity demonstrates unity in diversity, so a Christian marriage showcases how two distinct individuals can be united in a way that glorifies God. This unity becomes a living testimony of God’s covenantal faithfulness and relational nature, making marriage a visible representation of divine truths.


Practical Applications


  • Pursuing Unity: Spouses should intentionally seek to grow in spiritual and emotional oneness, grounding their relationship in prayer, Scripture, and shared worship.


  • Honouring Distinction: Recognising and respecting each other's God-given roles fosters harmony, avoiding the pitfalls of rivalry or imbalance.


  • Practising Mutual Submission: A marriage grounded in Christ’s sacrificial love will reflect the humility and grace seen within the Trinity.


  • Witnessing to the World: A godly marriage serves as a beacon, illustrating the gospel to others by demonstrating the relational beauty of unity and diversity.


Challenges and Grace


While the Trinity is a perfect model, human marriage involves imperfect people. Sin often disrupts unity and distorts roles. Yet, the gospel offers hope, as the grace of Christ restores brokenness and empowers couples to reflect God’s design more faithfully. Through sanctification, the Holy Spirit enables us to mirror the love and unity of the Triune God.


Conclusion


A godly marriage as an echo of the Trinity is a profound mystery that reveals the relational nature of God. While marriage is not identical to the Trinity, it draws upon the principles of unity, diversity, and sacrificial love exemplified in the Godhead. As we strive to live out these truths, we glorify the Triune God, pointing others to His eternal love and perfect fellowship.

By Caroline Kent February 21, 2025
A Guide for Those Who Know the Truth but Struggle to Rest in It
By Caroline Kent February 20, 2025
This psalm not only models the journey from despair to trust but offers a divine pattern for how we, as pilgrims in this vale of tears, can navigate the storms of the soul in a God-honouring and healing way. 1. Honest Expression of Distress (Verses 1-2) David’s raw cry—“How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?” (Psalm 13:1 KJV)—invites us to the sacred practice of lament. This is no small thing. Lament is faith wrestling with suffering. It is the cry of a soul that still believes, even when it feels abandoned. Biblical Parallels: Job’s Lament: “Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning” (Job 23:2 KJV). Job voiced his anguish, yet his suffering ultimately revealed God’s sovereign wisdom. Jeremiah’s Complaint: “Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed?” (Jeremiah 15:18 KJV). Jeremiah’s faithful cries amid rejection remind us that lament is not weakness but communion. Christ on the Cross: Our Lord Himself cried out in desolation: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 KJV). Christ, the Man of Sorrows, walked the ultimate path of forsakenness so that we never would. Puritan Wisdom: Thomas Watson reminds us, “The way to heaven is by Weeping-cross. Christ's cross is the sweetest burden that ever I bore; it is such a burden as wings are to a bird, or sails to a ship, to carry me forward to my harbour” (Watson, 1893). Lament is not a sign of spiritual failure; it is often the mark of a believer straining toward home. Counselling Reflection: We must teach our souls, and those we counsel, that we are permitted—even invited—to bring our most broken cries before the Lord. The altar of grace welcomes tears. Journal Prompt: “What am I truly feeling before the Lord? Have I dared to bring it to Him in honesty?” 2. Capturing the Nature of Inner Turmoil (Verses 2-4) David reveals his internal wrestling: “How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?” (Psalm 13:2 KJV). This depicts the mental toil we often endure—turning over our fears, seeking answers within ourselves, yet finding none. Biblical Parallels: Asaph’s Inner Struggle: “I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed” (Psalm 77:3 KJV). Asaph’s heart churned within him until he turned to the “years of the right hand of the most High” (Psalm 77:10 KJV). Elijah’s Despair: Under the juniper tree, Elijah cried, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life” (1 Kings 19:4 KJV). His exhaustion mirrored our own when we lean on our strength. Puritan Wisdom: Richard Baxter wisely observed, “Melancholy is not cured by arguments as much as by diverting thoughts, cheerful company, just labour, and hearty prayers” (Baxter, 1825). Left to ourselves, our minds often spiral downward. The remedy is to lift our gaze heavenward. Counselling Application: Guide the anxious heart away from self-reliance to God-reliance. We are not called to be self-sufficient; we are called to trust. Practical Task: When the “counsel of your soul” is troubling you, pause and pray aloud the promises of God. 3. Turning to God in Supplication (Verses 3-4) David turns his attention to the Lord: “Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death” (Psalm 13:3 KJV). Here, faith stirs. David, though weak, reaches toward God for help. Supplication shifts the gaze from the storm to the Captain of the ship. Biblical Parallels: Hezekiah’s Prayer: Facing death, Hezekiah turned to the wall and prayed (Isaiah 38:2 KJV). His prayer prolonged his life and strengthened his heart. Hannah’s Petition: In her distress, Hannah “poured out my soul before the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:15 KJV). God heard and answered, granting Samuel. Puritan Wisdom: William Gurnall exhorts, “The Christian’s prayer-book is his armory. There he doth sharpen his weapons and find new artillery, which he fetches down from heaven” (Gurnall, 1864). Prayer is the pivot where anxiety yields to hope. Counselling Practice: Teach the anxious to pray through their fears. Use the psalms as a script for prayer. Even when words fail, Scripture can speak for us. Prayer Exercise: Begin with Psalm 13; make its words your own. 4. Reframing with Gospel Truth (Verses 5-6) “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation” (Psalm 13:5 KJV). This is the climax. David’s circumstances have not changed—but his perspective has. Biblical Parallels: Habakkuk’s Rejoicing: “Although the fig tree shall not blossom… yet I will rejoice in the Lord” (Habakkuk 3:17-18 KJV). Faith transcends circumstances. Paul’s Contentment: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11 KJV). Contentment is rooted in Christ, not in ease. Puritan Wisdom: Jeremiah Burroughs calls this “the rare jewel of Christian contentment,” stating, “A Christian comes to contentment, not so much by way of addition, as by way of subtraction—by subtracting from his desires, rather than adding to his circumstances” (Burroughs, 1651). Counselling Practice: Help others recount the mercies of God. Gratitude reframes our fears and roots us in divine faithfulness. Gratitude Exercise: Record daily mercies. Revisit them in times of doubt. 5. Trusting the Captain in the Trenches David concludes, “I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me” (Psalm 13:6 KJV). Trust births praise. We see this echoed in Paul and Silas singing in prison (Acts 16:25 KJV). Final Puritan Encouragement: John Flavel comforts us, “Providence is like a Hebrew word—it can only be read backwards” (Flavel, 1678). Often, it is only in hindsight that we see the Lord’s hand. Christ Our Captain: William Gurnall exhorts us, “Thou hast a Captain who never lost a battle, and therefore thou needest not fear to lose the day in His company. March on, Christian!” (Gurnall, 1665). We follow a Captain who bore our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4 KJV). His cross is the anchor in every storm. Final Application for the Weary Soul Psalm 13 is not merely poetry; it is a battle plan: Pour out your lament before God. Recognise the turmoil within but refuse to dwell there. Turn to the Lord in supplication. Recall the mercies of Christ and trust in His salvation. Sing—though your voice may tremble—for He has dealt bountifully with you. Reflection and Prayer Exercise: Write your own psalm today. Follow the pattern of Psalm 13: Cry out your pain. Name your fears. Ask God for help. Declare His faithfulness. End with praise. Let this pattern become a well-worn path for your soul, leading you ever deeper into the arms of Christ.  References: Burroughs, J. (1651). The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. Flavel, J. (1678). The Mystery of Providence. Gurnall, W. (1665). The Christian in Complete Armour. Sibbes, R. (2005). The Bruised Reed. Watson, T. (1893). The Art of Divine Contentment. Baxter, R. (1825). The Practical Works of Richard Baxter.
By Caroline Kent February 7, 2025
Encouraging Those Who Struggle to Trust the Bible Again