No Higher Calling Podcast
Undesirable Couples of the Bible
Join with Simeon and I as we study through “undesirable” couples of the Bible on the No Higher Calling podcast!
Episode 1: Elimelech & Naomi
Elimelech and Naomi were followers of Jehovah who were prominent people in their city of Bethlehem. When God’s judgement came by way of famine, instead of inquiring of their King, we see them running from God’s protecting hedge. Together with their two sons, they enter into the heathen land of Moad. Initially, the plan was to “sojourn” there, but we find them putting down roots.
What lessons can we learn from this couple’s negative example?
-Making sound decisions as a couple
-The husband’s responsibilty for the stewardship of his family
-The wife’s responsibility to submit to her husband’s leading
-Using the influence of your marriage to point other’s to God
Scriptures Referenced:
Exodus 33:15; Leviticus 26:19; Numbers 25:1-3; Deuteronomy 23:3-4; Judges 21:25; Ruth 1:1-15; Proverbs 11:14; Isaiah 41:10; Ecclesiastes 4:9; Amos 3:3
Six Scriptural Tests
1. Proclamation Test- “Has God clearly proclaimed it to be wrong in His Word?”
2. Principle Test- “Is is forbiden in God’s Word in principle?”
3. Partnership Test- “Could I invite Jesus Christ to do this with me?” Col. 3:17
4. Present Test- “Would I be ashamed to be found doing it, thinking it, or saying it upon Christ’s return?” Phil 1:20
5. Purity Test- “Is there any glory for God in it?” I Cor 10:31
6. Peace Test- “After praying about it, is there the least bit of doubt in my mind?” Rm 14:23
Episode 2: Lot & His Wife
There are many lessons we can learn from the biblical account of Lot and Mrs. Lot. While there is very little said in Scripture about their marriage relationship, we can draw truths from what is recorded. Simeon joins me on this NHC Family episode to share all that God taught us as we studyed through this couple and the Scripture passages listed below.
Some lessons learned from Lot and Mrs. Lot include. . .
-The importance of being equally yoked as husband and wife
-What to do if you are in a marraige where you are not equally yoked
-Letting your marriage have a gospel impact
-Being careful where you “pitch your tent”
-Keeping your family in God’s protective hedge
Scriptures Referenced:
Genesis 13, 14, 19; Deuteronomy 2:9, 19; Psalm 83:8; Matthew 6:21; Luke 17:28-29, 32; II Corinthians 6:14; Colossians 3:2; II Peter 2:7
Episode 3: Jacob & Leah
When we hear the name Jacob, we often think Rachel, but that was not his first wife. It is easy to get swept up in the romantic love story of Jacob and Rachel, but God has things to teach us from the loveless marriage of Jacob and Leah.
Lessons we learn from this couple:
-Keeping your affection and attention united in marriage
-Finding fufillment, identity, and contentment in Christ
-Encouragement for those in a loveless relationship
-God’s holy design for sex
Scriptures Referenced:
Genesis 29:21-35; Psalm 133:1
Episode 4: Abigail & Nabal
This episode brings us to a couple, who though joined in marriage, are nothing alike. Abigail is a women of strong character and a meek spirit. Nabal is a fool. In spite of this unequal yoking, Abigail has the joy of the Lord. When her husband acts in foolishness, she responds in godly wisdom. This wisdom saved the life of her husband and the reputation of the future king.
Some lessons we learn from this couple:
-Having joy if you are unequally yoked
-Showing wisdom in how and when to approach a spouse with issues
-Abstaining from bitterness when you’re hurt by a spouse
-Guarding how you speak about godly leadership
Scriptures Referenced:
I Samuel 25
Episode 5: Isaac & Rebekah
Isaac and Rebekah begin their marriage relationship with so much potential. Sadly, as we walk through their story, things fall far from God’s design for marriage. God blesses their marriage with children, but instead of children stregthening their marriage, they allowed them to divide it.
Some lessons we learn from this couple:
-How a couple should handle sorrow
-The importance of being one in decision making and communication
-The legacy and impact of a godly marriage
Scriptures Referenced:
Genesis 24-26; Proverbs 14:1; 24:16; 31:11-12; II Timothy 2:20
Episode 6: Ahab & Jezebel
Scripture records many people that we can look up to and desire to model our lives after. But it also records thel lives of people who we want to be nothing like! Ahab and Jezebel are a couple that we can learn from as we see their negative example.
What can we learn from this wicked couple?
-You reap what you sow, and you reap more than you sow
-Spouses enabling wickness instead of encouraging in righteousness
-Staying close to God individually and as a couple so you don’t miss His still, small voice
Scriptures Referenced:
I Kings 16:29-33; 21:19-22, 25; II Kings 8:18; Proverbs 12:4, 26; 13:20; 22:24-25; Hosea 8:7; Hebrews 10:24
Episode 7: Job & His Wife
Scripture only records two sentences that Job’s wife says. They are words of condemnation towards her husband and bitterness towards God. What a legacy to leave behind!
While we can feel deep empathy for Job and his wife at all they lost, they handle their trial in very different ways. We can glean wisdom from their example that will strengthen our marriages as we walk through grief and loss.
Scriptures Referenced:
Job 1; 2:1-10; 42:10-13; Proverbs 14:1
Episode 8: David & Michal
David and Michal’s marriage is one that lacked spiritual unity. Scripture gives us different glimpses into their relationship, and it reveals that they did not share the same faith and trust in Jehovah. This would ultimately lead their marriage to a very sad and lonely place.
Scriptures Referenced:
I Samuel 19:10-17; II Samuel 6:16-23; I Corinthains 3:11
Episode 9: Abraham & Sarah
Abraham and Sarah are the father and mother of God’s chosen people, Israel. They set an amazing example of faith as they leave all they know in the city of Ur, and set out to follow God into the unknown. But they also make some big mistakes, some of which cause a lack of unity in major aspects of their marriage.
Join us as we look into the famous laugh of Sarah. As we study the context and the Hebrew meaning of the word used for Sarah’s laugh, you will find a truth that will help our marriages.
Scriptures Referenced:
Genesis 17:15; 21; Ecclesiastes 4:9
Episode 10: Ananias & Sapphira
Throughout this study, we have continually seen the theme of couples who were not one whether that be spiritually, emotionally, or physically. Ananias and Sapphire were one, but it was in sin. This led to a disastrous end for this couple.
As we look at their marriage, we discuss the importance of being sober-minded and true to the promises that we make to God.
Scriptures Referenced:
Exodus 21:14; Proverbs 6:16; Ecclesiastes 5:4-6; Acts 4:32-5:11
Episode 11:Ahasuerus & Esther
Throughout this year, we have been looking at undesirable couples of the Bible seeing that most of them struggled because they did not have a oneness in marriage. This is beyond physical oneness, but also spiritual and emotional.
We come to Ahasuerus and Esther, and we discuss what to do when a spouse is unequally yoked with a non-believer. Esther gives a beautiful example of God’s love and grace as she interacts with her heathen husband.
Scriptures Referenced:
The book of Esther; II Corinthians 6:14
Episode 12: Joseph & Mary
coming soon!