And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Genesis 2: 18, NKJV.
Dear LORD, please help us to see and hear the message that is to be found in this passage of Scripture. We pray in the holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Genesis 1 and 2 are seen as two different creation stories. I see them as one. Genesis 1 is the “big picture” version of the creation story. Genesis 2 is the “detailed” version. of the same story. In the detailed version, unlike others, I see very warm details. I do not see it as minimizing the importance of woman, to the contrary, it augments it to some degree.
1) God made it clear that man’s situation, without the woman, was “not good.” God is perfect, and I value His opinion. I truly believe that the world is a better place when we, as women, recognize our “high calling.” The heart of our high calling is first of all, to recognize who we are, and what we have been anointed by God to do – be a helper comparable to our mates. There is a wonderful dynamic that takes place between equals, it is called sharing. People who see themselves as equals, usually feel that what they have to offer to the relationship is valuable and will be well received by the other person. They give themselves willingly and without reserve. Women are natural givers and nurturers. When we are in a relationship where we feel appreciated, there are no limits to what we will do for those we love!
2) The bone from which woman was created is very significant. The ribcage working along with the sternum offers protection to the lungs, the heart, and the major blood vessels. It keeps them from damage. Notice that these are life-sustaining organs. The lungs are responsible for our breathing, without which, life would be impossible. The heart is the main organ of the circulatory system. If the heart stops working, it won’t be long before the rest of the body shuts down. Our veins and arteries keep a flow of healthy blood running through our bodies. But the ribs are also influential in helping the body maintain its upright position.
This says a lot about the role of woman in the life of her mate. The safeguarding of the heart, which is the seat of our affection, is the work of the wife. In Proverbs 31 we read the following: “The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life” (11, 12). He can trust her with His deepest affections. By God’s grace she will not disappoint him.
People with healthy lungs and good breathing habits make good athletes. The apostle Paul compares the journey to heaven to a race (1 Corinthians 9: 24-27). The man who has the good fortune to meet and marry a good woman has at his side one who will encourage him to remain in the race until he completes it, by providing him with words of wisdom and kindness (Proverbs 31: 26).
As the ribcage helps the body to maintain its upright position, so does a good wife help her husband to live an upright life. As she seeks higher spiritual ground for herself by maintaining her integrity, she helps him to maintain his uprightness and respectability among his peers (23).
No doubt, God knew what He was doing when he made man’s world better by giving him a good woman. Not perfect, but good. Men, love her and take good care of her, and you will have no regrets!