In the World–November 21, 2021

Download “In the World” for November 21, 2021 here.

MARRIAGE AT ITS LOWEST

In 1946, when most Americans were euphoric about the hopeful state of the world, the national marriage rate hit an all-time high. In the 152 years these statistics have been kept, that year’s rate of 16.4 marriages per 1,000 people was the highest it had ever been. Since that time, the rate has generally declined, especially since the early 1980s. In 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the marriage rate dropped to its lowest since recordkeeping began, to a rate of 6.1 per 1,000. Sally C. Curtin and Paul D. Sutto, curators of these statistics for the National Center for Health Statistics, found “that adults in the United States are increasingly postponing marriage, and that a record number of current youth and young adults are projected to forego marriage altogether.” Studies have cited multiple factors for this, including declining religious adherence to marriage, public disenchantment with marriage, COVID-19, and unstable jobs and strained finances. Tragically, fully one-quarter of unmarried Americans aged 25 to 34 years are living with a romantic partner.

A MARRIAGE IN THE HIGHEST

In stark contrast to our culture’s attitude toward marriage, today’s passage shows us that God places a wedding at the pinnacle of His divine plan. The Lord Jesus, having purified for Himself a bride, convenes the wedding in the throne room of God. The fine linen of her dress represents the righteous deeds of His people.

1. What’s the best wedding you’ve ever seen? What made it so good?
2. Why is marriage still important to society?
3. Why does Scripture begin and end with a wedding?

Additional Resources

These videos and materials are for your personal use. If you show videos in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.

1. Music Video, Traditional: “This Is My Song” by VOICES8
2. Music Video, Multicultural: “He Understands” by Chandler Moore
3. Music Video, Contemporary: “Stir a Passion” by Lindy Cofer (Revere)
4. Guzik’s Commentary on Revelation 19
5. Pulpit Commentary on Revelation 19
6. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Revelation 19

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