Introduction: People often marry without giving much thought to it. Sometimes people call me on the phone, wanting me to marry them immediately. There are two ministers who stay at the Court House downtown, ready to marry you as soon as you get your license. But marriage is serious. It will pervade and change every area of your life. Marriage is good. "He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing....A good wife is from the Lord," says Proverbs. But young people need to think long and hard before they marry. Those who are already married need to give a lot of time and energy to making marriage work. This passage in Joshua illustrates some valuable truths about marriage:
I. You need to be worthy of respect and value.
A. Othniel risked his life to get Achsah for his
wife. He considered her to be worthy of respect and
of great value.
B. Likewise, as a spiritual man, and a great warrior,
Achsah respected and valued Othniel.
C. Are you valued and respected by your spouse?
Are you WORTHY of being valued and respected? Work
on it!
II. You need to be a Communicator.
A. Achsah and Othniel talked over important matters...getting
some land, some springs, the future of their family.
B. Husbands and wives both need to be willing to
talk, and to listen. Your spouse should be the best
friend you have in the world, which comes from communcation.
III. You need to be Practical.
A. Achsah and Othniel were concerned about getting
some land and some springs.
B. Achsah had a clever plan. Othniel asks first,
for the land. Then she, the daughter, goes and asks
for just a bit more, and of course her father gives
it to her.
C. Husbands and wives need to value wealth, but
not become materialistic.
IV. You need to get along with your in-laws.
A. Othniel chose Caleb to be his father-in-law,
as well as Achsah to be his wife.
B. Caleb chose Othniel to be his son-in-law, by
a test of courage.
C. Young people, choose your in-laws carefully before
you get married.
D. Married people, don't allow your in-laws to overly
influence your life together,
and in-laws, leave your children to get on with their
lives without too much advice.
Conclusion: Here are four important scriptural rules for a good marriage: 1. Strive to be worthy of respect from your spouse; 2. Communicate; 3. Be practical about wealth; and 4. Maintain a good relationship with your in-laws.