RPG Adults
LAW OF FAMILY
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Deuteronomy 24:1-4
Matthew 5:31-32
“That whosoever shall put away his wife,
saving for the cause of fornication,
causeth her to commit adultery…”
LAW OF FAMILY
The law of marriage and divorce comes up often. The laws of morality in the text began with guidelines concerning marriage and the tolerance of divorce. This matter had earlier been clarified. Remarriage and paternal leave for a bridegroom were also codified. Other laws touched on commerce and lending of money, all have much to do with family life. Labour wages and assistance to the poor in the community were also discussed as part of family life.
Marriage is legal and binding between a man and a woman and is permanent. Writing a bill of divorcement and putting away one’s wife was allowed under the Mosaic code. It was a contentious issue. Many have questioned it and done what they thought was right. The Westminster Confession (chapter 24.2) states that “marriage was ordained for mutual help of husband and wife; for the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue, and of the church with an holy seed; and for preventing of uncleanness.” As such, the bond of marriage cannot be broken by man.
The question then arose concerning this Mosaic statute which Jesus gave a clear answer to. He also made reference to this law in the alternate reading. In His remarks, He disallowed divorce except in the case of adultery. He also stressed the importance of the one-man-one-woman marriage. In the Mosaic code, a divorced woman could be remarried to another man, but if she was divorced again or the second husband died, she could not come back to the first husband. In this regard, the church follows the verdict of Christ today and there should be no confusion. An official statement on the doctrine of marriage is given. All churches will have such a statement on this law. Civil governments also have a Marriage Act. In multi-religious nations, this law is made to cater to all communities. Some religious groups will allow polygamy, but Christian marriages are monogamous and church ministers are usually licensed to solemnise marriages in keeping with that doctrine.
THOUGHT: Stable families are built on God’s commandments.
PRAYER: Father, give us homes where Thy Word is the guide.