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Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church serves Baileys Harbor and other communities throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
Title: Bridging the Gap [Marriage]
Text: Isaiah 62:1–5
Liturgical Date: Epiphany 2 C
Calendar Date: January 19, 2025
Location: Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church in Door County
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Jackson

THE FOLLOWING TRANSCRIPT WAS EDITED VIA AI TO MAKE IT MORE READABLE. IT DOES NOT MATCH THE PREACHED VERSION 100 PERCENT.
In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Today, we take up the theme “Bridging the Divide” and reflect on how marriage serves as a privileged institution in Scripture. Marriage is described as a bridge spanning the widest gap in humanity—the gap between man and woman.
Because of this unique role, Scripture uses marriage as a metaphor for the bridge between us and God. Finally, we will explore three ways this truth shapes how we live as Christians.
A Poetic Illustration of the Divide
To illustrate the gap between man and woman, let me share one of my favorite poems. Now, before you roll your eyes—yes, a poem! But don’t worry; it’s a funny one by Ogden Nash, written in the mid-20th century. Though many highbrow poets dismissed Nash as “silly,” his work often carries profound truths, and this poem, “I Do, I Will, I Have,” is no exception.
Here’s how it goes:
How wise I am to have instructed the butler,
To instruct the first footman,
To instruct the second footman,
To instruct the doorman,
To order my carriage.
I’m about to volunteer a definition of marriage.Just as I know there are two Hagans, Walter and Copen,
I know that marriage is a legal and religious alliance
Entered into by a man who can’t sleep with the window shut
And a woman who can’t sleep with the window open.Moreover, just as I am unsure of the difference
Between flora and fauna and flotsam and jetsam,
I am quite sure that marriage is the alliance of two people—
One of whom never remembers birthdays,
And the other never forgets them.He refuses to believe there is a leak in the water pipe,
And she is convinced she’s about to asphyxiate or drown.
She says, “Quick! Get up and move my hairbrushes off the windowsill. It’s raining in.”
He replies, “Oh, they’re alright—it’s only raining straight down.”That’s why marriage is so much more interesting than divorce:
It’s the only known example of the happy meeting of
The immovable object and the irresistible force.So, I hope husbands and wives will continue to debate
And combat over everything debatable and compatible,
Because a little incompatibility is the spice of life—
Particularly if he has income and she is pattable.
Yes, it’s a silly poem, but behind its humor lies a profound truth. Marriage is, indeed, a bridge spanning the widest divide in humanity. This divide isn’t between Democrats and Republicans, rich and poor, or even Packers and Bears fans. The biggest divide in humanity is between male and female.
The Fundamental Differences Between Men and Women
Now, I understand we live in a time when this idea may not be popular. Many would argue that the differences between men and women are insignificant. But the truth is that males and females are fundamentally different in profound ways.
For instance, our brains are structured differently. A brain scan of a male and a female typically reveals clear distinctions—differences in which neurons fire and how they fire. We also have different strengths and abilities. Generally, men are larger and physically stronger, while women are blessed with the unique and beautiful ability to carry and nurture children. These differences extend even to the cellular level. Every cell in my body, down to its chromosomes, differs from the cells in a woman’s body.
Because of these God-given differences, men and women experience the world in distinct ways. We perceive things differently, which can naturally lead to conflicts and disagreements—whether it’s one person insisting the rain is coming straight down while the other insists it’s blowing in through the window.
Marriage as a Bridge Across the Divide
These differences also have societal implications. Sociologists have found that gender can be a significant predictor of where people stand on various social, political, and religious issues, especially among younger generations. Here’s an interesting example: among Generation Z—those we call Zoomers—young men are attending church in greater numbers than young women, a trend that’s unique in American history.
Despite the differences and potential for conflict, marriage serves as a bridge across this divide. It brings reconciliation between people who, in many ways, are at odds with one another. This union brings blessings—not just to the couple, who provide lifelong help and support to each other, but also to society as a whole. When the Lord blesses a marriage with children, they become a gift, not only to the family but to the broader community.
The Scriptural Exaltation of Marriage
Marriage is the foundation of civil society. It’s within the structure of marriage that children are brought forth and nurtured, providing stability and continuity for the community. Because of its foundational role, Scripture exalts marriage and gives it a privileged place.
In Genesis, we see that marriage is the first human institution established by God. Before there were cities, tribes, nations, or kings, there was marriage.
In our Old Testament reading today, the prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of marriage to describe God’s salvation and His delight in His people. Isaiah speaks of how God rejoices over His people as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. It’s a powerful metaphor that highlights the deep love and commitment God has for His people.
In the New Testament, Christ Himself honored marriage by performing His first miracle at a wedding feast in Cana, blessing the union of the bride and groom. Later, in the epistles, St. Paul uses marriage as a metaphor for the relationship between Christ and His Church. He speaks of the love, sacrifice, and unity that characterize this divine relationship and encourages Christians to reflect those qualities in their own lives.
What Marriage Teaches Us as Christians
So, what does this mean for our lives as Christians? First, it means embracing the bridge that God has built between us and Himself through Christ. Just as marriage bridges the divide between men and women, God has bridged the infinite gap between Himself and humanity. In Christ, the eternal and spiritual God took on mortal, physical flesh. The incarnation is the ultimate act of reconciliation, where God became one of us to bring us into communion with Him.
In His incarnation, Jesus shared in every human weakness—except sin. He experienced hunger, thirst, weariness, and even grief, so He could truly understand and represent us. But the bridge God built through Christ didn’t stop there. He also bridged the gap through redemption. Though He was sinless, Jesus bore the consequences of our sin, including alienation from the Father. On the cross, He cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” In that moment, He took our unrighteousness upon Himself so that we might share in His righteousness and unity with the Father.
Honoring Marriage and Its Fruits
Another way we honor marriage is by valuing its fruits, especially children. This connects us to the theme of Sanctity of Life Sunday, which we observe today. In Psalm 128, we hear these beautiful words:
Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways!
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.
My prayer for us as Christians is that we embrace this view of children. May we see them not as burdens or conditional assets but as the natural fruit of marriage and gifts from God to be cherished.
The Example of Marriage for Reconciliation
Finally, marriage provides us with a model for reconciliation in all relationships. If God can reconcile Himself to us through Christ, and if man and woman can be reconciled in marriage, then no human relationship is beyond the possibility of healing and restoration. This truth encourages us to lead lives of love, service, and unity with those around us.
Within the Church, let us also look at our fellow believers as those whom God has called us to love and serve. Above all, let us share the good news of Christ’s reconciling love, proclaiming the unity we have with God and with one another through Him.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let me know if you’d like any additional edits or headings!