Christ left his family

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)

In ancient Mesopotamia, this passage makes no sense.

Traditionally, the wife left her household to join that of the husband’s, not the other way around.

In a generally patriarchal society, all revolved around entering into the man’s world and reality - he was the one deemed of greater authority, agency, and value.

Yet, in the contrast of this Edenic picture of the pursuit of marriage, we see an image of sacrifice and lowliness; an active seeking out as a lover, not a lackadaisical indulgence as a recipient.

Even in this ancient poem of Genesis, written centuries prior to the Gospels, do we not taste the foreshadowing notes of another - coming like a Son of Man, a second Adam?

It was Yeshua who left his Father-Mother God, along with the benefits of his mysterious and celestial homeland, to enter into Creation.

He came in pursuit of a wife as well - his Bride - the Church.

He came to cleave to her - become one with her - that in their oneness a new home might emerge.

A new heaven. A new earth.

The Kingdom of God as a dwelling place in which bridegroom and bride might abide in the shalom of generative fruitfulness and ordered creativity and endless delight.

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