Daily Worship (July 13)

Genesis 2:18–25 (NIV)
The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.

Devotional Thought
When God made the world, everything was good—except one thing: Adam was alone. That wasn’t good. So God created Eve, not just to keep Adam company, but to be his partner in life. This was the beginning of marriage. It wasn’t an accident or just a human idea. God designed it with a purpose. In marriage, two people become one. They’re united in heart, in purpose, and in life. They walk side by side, helping each other become who God made them to be. That’s what this passage shows us—a picture of love, connection, and purpose.
But today, people sometimes think marriage is just about feelings or romance. God’s Word reminds us that marriage is about covenant—deep, committed love. When it works the way God planned, marriage is beautiful. It points to something even bigger: the love between Jesus and the church. Whether you’re single or married, this truth matters. God made us for relationships, for helping one another, and for showing the world what real love looks like. That’s the heart of marriage—and the heart of the gospel.

COMMA Questions

• Context: What does Genesis 1–2 tell us about how God made the world and humanity?
• Observation: What stands out about how God created the woman for the man?
• Meaning: What does “they become one flesh” mean in this passage?
• Main Idea: How does this passage answer the question: What is God’s purpose for marriage?
• Application: How can this vision of marriage shape how you treat others today?

Prayer
God, thank you for your perfect design for marriage and for creating us to live in love and community. Help us to honor your plan and reflect your faithful love in our relationships. Amen.

Ephesians 5:25–32 (NIV)
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church."

Devotional Thought
This passage tells us something amazing: marriage is not just about two people who love each other. It’s a picture of something bigger—Jesus and the church. When a husband loves his wife with patience, sacrifice, and care, it shows the world a glimpse of how Jesus loves us. He gave everything for us—even his life—to make us clean and holy. That’s the gospel. And that’s what marriage points to.
This doesn’t mean only married people get to live this out. Every Christian is part of the church, and Jesus calls us all to love one another with the same kind of selfless love. So whether you’re married or not, you are loved deeply by Christ. His love shapes how we love others—with kindness, faithfulness, and humility. And when we fail, his grace is there to forgive and restore us. Marriage is a mystery, but it’s also a message: Jesus loves you and gave himself for you.

COMMA Questions

• Context: How does the rest of Ephesians (chapters 1–4) help us understand what it means to live as Christians?
• Observation: What words or images are repeated in this passage about Christ and the church?
• Meaning: What does it mean that marriage is a “profound mystery”?
• Main Idea: What is the main message Paul is teaching about love in marriage?
• Observation: How can you show Christlike love in your relationships this week?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us like a perfect husband—patiently, completely, and forever. Help us reflect your love in all our relationships and remember that we belong to you. Amen.

Revelation 21:1–4 (NIV)
"Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”

Devotional Thought
We all want love that lasts. But even the best marriages face hard times—sickness, conflict, even death. That’s why this promise from God is so powerful: one day, he will make everything new. And the love we have longed for will finally be complete. This vision in Revelation shows God’s people like a bride getting ready for her wedding. It’s not about an earthly marriage, but a perfect relationship with Jesus. He is the groom who never fails us. He will live with us forever. No more sadness. No more fear. Just joy, peace, and love.
If you’re married, your relationship is meant to point to this hope. If you’re single, widowed, or hurting, you’re not left out—you’re being invited into the greatest love story of all. Jesus is preparing a place for you. And on that day, we’ll finally be home—with our true Spouse, forever.

COMMA Questions

• Context: What do the chapters before Revelation 21 describe about the final battle and judgment?
• Observation: What image is used to describe God’s people in this passage?
• Meaning: What does it mean that God will dwell with his people?
• Main Idea: How does this passage answer the question: What is the hope for every believer?
• Application: How does knowing your future with Christ shape your choices and relationships today?

Prayer
God, thank you for the promise of a love that never ends. Help us look forward to the day when we will be with you forever. Let that hope give us peace today and shape how we live and love others. Amen.