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Matthew 5:31-32
It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
In the Old Testament times and into the New, many men had a degrading view of women. Because of this sin and the hardness of their hearts some were making a mockery of marriage. A man could divorce his wife for almost any reason. The “certificate of divorce” mentioned in today’s passage is described in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. Its purpose was to regulate an unfortunate practice.
When Jesus came, he pulled marriage back up to the honored covenant it was always meant to be. Divorce was never God’s intention. From the beginning He desired the marriage covenant be honored and the commitment be “’til death do us part.” The one reason for divorce is when the covenant has been broken by adultery. Even then God is honored when there is repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
I understand that divorce is a difficult, complex, and painful issue. I know some of you reading this are divorced. I know many of you did everything you could to keep your marriage together. Even in the challenges of relationships, God’s Word sets the standard that should never be compromised. Husbands and wives must work hard to honor God within the covenant of marriage.
Father, marriage is challenging. Some things happen beyond a person’s control. I pray for the person going through a divorce. Give them Your strength. Let them know that You are walking with them. And for husbands and wives going through difficult times, give them the desire to honor their marriage covenant. Help them do the work in order to stay together and demonstrate Your power in their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Today on The Journey Broadcast:
Excellent!! As ALWAYS!!
Thank you Cindy.
Dear Ron, many years ago Chris and I considered divorce. We struggled in marriage for several years. It was a very difficult time for us. But through our church (then) we learned of a program – Retrovialle. We believe that God led us to this life changing program. We were taught the fundamentals of marriage and love. Our belief in God, knowing that God is love, straightened our paths. Our marriage was better than before. This message reinforces the need for God in our life and our marriage to guide us through the times when life can be messy. Thanks for the encouragement. God bless. Only Jesus.
Thanks, Dale, for living out your testimony so clearly before others. Appreciate your comments here.