The Harvest Men’s Conference starts this Friday! We are still selling tickets, and they are only $20 for both Friday and Saturday. Pastor Levi Lusko will be joining us to share biblical insights! Register here » Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Marriage in Two Words LISTEN   “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” —Ephesians 5:31 There are two operative words in a marriage: leave and cleave. We find this principle in Genesis 2:24, which says,  “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (NKJV). Jesus also quoted this passage in Matthew, where He said,  “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” (19:4–5 NKJV).  The apostle Paul quoted this text as well (see Ephesians 5:31). First there’s leaving.  When you get married, your number one relationship (other than your relationship with Christ), becomes the relationship with your spouse.  You’re still a child to your parents, of course. But your number one relationship is with your husband or wife. He or she should be your best friend and the person that you’re closest to. Next, there’s cleaving.  This word means “being held together.”  It doesn’t mean that you’re stuck together; rather, you’re held together.  In verb form, it speaks of something that’s active.  For instance, if you’re climbing the face of a mountain, you’re hanging on for dear life. That’s the idea of cleaving.  You’re holding on to each other, and you’re not allowing other relationships to weaken your marriage relationship.  Early in a marriage, you feel a lot of love, but then it ebbs and flows.  You change, your spouse changes, and life changes. Your emotions will catch up with your commitment in time.  The point is that you keep your commitment throughout your life. So leave and cleave.  God called you together, and He will give you the strength to be the husband or wife that He has called you to be. Share this today:     The Women of the Bible Speak Receive a copy for your gift of support today » Our May book offer, The Women of the Bible Speak, by Shannon Bream compares and contrasts eight pairs of women whose stories are recorded in Scripture, teaching us valuable lessons that we can apply in our own lives. Receive a copy with your donation. Copyright © 2021 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. Harvest Ministries exists with your support to Know God and Make Him Known. If you would like, you can update your preferences. This email may be considered an advertising or promotional email. Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie P.O. Box 4000, Riverside, CA 92514-4000 Phone: 1-800-821-3300