God In The Middle
Monday, February 3
Exodus 25:21-22 (NKJV)
“You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the Testimony that I will give you. And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel.”
Devoción
Pastor Franklin used the ark from Exodus to teach on marriage. On the ark, the cherubim are reaching out to touch each other, representing an effort of unity. They are both looking down, representing the need to look through God’s lens of mercy. Most importantly, God’s mercy seat is under their touching wings, representing the need to have God in the middle.
Marriage is a lifelong covenant (till death do us part). It’s a blessing from God that is meant to reflect Christ and the Church. Just like with the Church, the devil will do anything to create division. His plan is well known, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). All marriages will suffer attacks. There will be brutal seasons where it is near impossible to keep it all together.
The devil knows that creating division is the best way to destroy a marriage. He wants to get in the middle. But, Scripture says that, despite how it may feel, the husband and wife have actually become one through covenant. The Prophet Malachi asked, “…did He not make them one, having a remnant of the Spirit?” (Malachi 2:15). And Jesus said: “ …so then they are no longer two, but one flesh” (Mark 10:8). Because of this, “…the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garments with violence” (Malachi 2:16).
Remember that the devil is a defeated liar. Scripture says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7 ). God can build any new marriage, strengthen any existing marriage, or heal any broken marriage when He’s in the middle. With God in the middle, “…a three strand cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Even in the worst situations, God can restore when He’s in the middle. “For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37).
Oración de hoy
Querido Padre Celestial,
Thank You for being the foundation and center of our lives and marriages. Help us to keep You at the heart of our covenant, looking through the lens of Your mercy and grace. Where there is division, bring unity. Where there is brokenness, bring healing. Remind us that with You in the middle, no weapon formed against us can prosper. Teach us to resist the schemes of the enemy and to stand firm in Your love. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Aplíquelo hoy mismo
Take time today to intentionally invite God into the middle of your marriage. Whether you’re in a season of joy or struggle, pray together as a couple, asking God to guide your hearts, heal any hidden wounds, and strengthen your bond.
Recursos:
- If you missed the start of our Better Together series, watch Pastor Franklin’s message, “Living In The Throne Zone”.
- Download the picture Pastor Franklin used in the message to describe the Ark Of The Covenant, and let it serve as a reminder of Sunday’s message for your family.