This week, we have been looking at the ‘Biblical Foundations for Marriage’. The aim has been to equip us so that our marriages would thrive as opposed to merely survive. Yet, if we are to be honest, some of our marriages are broken, or we are living the effects of broken marriages. Because of the importance of marriage in God’s creation and redemption agenda, its failing devastates many. Spouses in a marriage that is not working are affected in ways beyond just the marriage. Those whose marriages broke live with the stigma and shame of a failed family. Children living in a broken home suffer all manner of mental anguish and, if this is not addressed, become broken adults. Broken families lead to broken people.

But our text today reminds us that there is hope for all those who are still living. That as long as one has breath, all is not lost. Solomon uses the analogy of a dead lion and a living dog to show the significance of life in giving hope to the living. We can look at this from two angles: One is from a physical standpoint. That anyone who is still alive has a chance to mend things, there is hope. Second, that the one who has spiritual life has hope as contrasted to the one who is spiritually dead. And as Ephesians 2:12 reminds us, when we were unbelievers, we were without God and without hope in this world. What a better thing, then, to be alive in both senses! Are you?

1. How best do you understand Solomon’s phrase, ‘A living dog is better than a dead lion’?

2. Are you in a broken family situation? There is hope for you as long as you are still living.