Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 1
Margie says marriage is “a picture of God’s blood covenant with us,” linking Genesis 15, David/Jonathan, and the blood symbol at Jewish weddings; what does this teach you about how seriously God treats covenant, and how does that seriousness confront the way “Christian marriage” is often spoken about today?
Another way to ask: If marriage points to God’s serious covenant with us, what does that show about how seriously God takes promises? How does that challenge the casual way people today often talk about “Christian marriage”?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, God treats covenant as a sacred, weighty commitment “signed in blood,” and marriage is meant to reflect that seriousness. That confronts modern “Christian marriage” talk that treats marriage mainly as a happiness-provider rather than a God-glorifying covenant that shouldn’t be discarded when feelings shift.
- She says, “Marriage is a picture of God’s blood covenant with us,” pointing to Genesis 15 where God entered a blood covenant with Abraham.
- She connects the blood of animals to “the blood of Christ,” emphasizing covenant as a “pretty big deal.”
- She cites David and Jonathan who “cut a blood covenant” (1 Samuel), reinforcing covenant as binding and solemn.
- She mentions Jewish weddings where a “blood-stained cloth” symbolized covenant, concluding, “God was showing that a covenant signed in blood is one He considers very important.”
- She states plainly, “God is very serious about the marriage covenant.”
- She critiques people who equate marriage with “happiness and security,” warning that if happiness is the goal, “we’re going to get a divorce as soon as happiness leaves.”