You're Only Marrying a Man

The other day, I was watching a video of Elisabeth Elliot. She was speaking about satisfaction in any circumstance, especially whether single or married (per usual). At one point, she goes, "I try to remind women that what they marry is a man" and is "only a man and nothing but a man".

I know many of my sisters in Christ are single. And struggling to be so. You desire something that God says is good (Genesis 2:18, Proverbs 18:22), honorable (Hebrews 13:4), and a great mystery that depicts Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:22-33). And yet, you don't have it. Or any soon hope of it, for that matter! You probably feel like Charlotte Lucas in Pride and Prejudice (2005):

Via thelittle-lady on Tumblr

I'm not unfamiliar with these feelings, either. But let me remind us both of a story in Acts 10. Cornelius, "an upright and God-fearing man"(v. 22), also a Roman centurion, received a vision from God instructing him to send men to bring Peter to him. When Peter arrives, Cornelius falls to his feet and worships Peter. What does Peter do? He lifts Cornelius up and says,

'"Stand up; I too am a man."' (v. 26)

If you're familiar with the Apostle Peter, you have likely noticed his temptation to be rash and prideful. This manifests most familiarly in his promise to Jesus to be with Him to the death. But, we know that Peter later denies Jesus three times (Matthew 26:30-35, 69-75). Given his track record, why didn't Peter let Cornelius worship him? Even for just a little bit? As one of the chosen 12, wouldn't he deserve something?

Or what about the angel who revealed the extraordinary revelations of God to John? Twice John falls to the angel's feet in worship as Cornelius did. And twice the angel responds,

'"You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God."' (19:10)

And,

'"You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God."' (22:9)

Okay, maybe Peter didn't deserve to be worshiped. But an angel of the LORD? I mean, he's eternally in God's presence! Surely he deserves a curtsy, at least.

Apparently not. Both Peter and the angel rightly assert their place before a holy God: "man" and "servant". Ironically, they have a higher purpose than to receive praise. Their utmost calling is to glorify God.

Remember when Elisabeth Elliot said that when you get married, you are marrying a man? Yeah. Like Peter and the angel, He is not the Almighty God. A husband is a man. Hopefully, he is also a fellow servant of our Lord. However, His highest purpose is not to satisfy you. He actually cannot do that, try as he might. Sister, he's a man. Created in the image of God for His glory.

Do not worship the idea of a husband. Do not worship your boyfriend/fiancee/husband if you have one. Worship God! He has revealed Himself to us through His Son, Jesus. As the Church, He is our true and perfect bridegroom (Revelation 19:7-9). Through faith in His name, we will one day feast at the glorious marriage supper of the Lamb. We will be satisfied evermore.

"You arouse us so that praising you may bring us joy, because you have made us and drawn us to yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." St. Augustine, Confessions

Your sister in Christ,

Jadyn

Link to Elisabeth Elliot video: https://youtu.be/wmEwItqGCr0?si=uLOwtrvBgI1b5Iix