2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Calendar
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE (I)
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Mark 10:1-12
Matthew 19:1-9
“…Is it lawful for a man
to put away his wife?”
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE (I)
“Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?” (Mark 10:2). In the days of Jesus, the Pharisees taught that a man could divorce his wife for the slightest reason, for instance if she burnt dinner or was no longer pretty. The women in those days were bullied, and Jesus here defended their rights. Jesus emphasised that marriage as a divine institution involves a covenant relationship that is meant to be permanent: “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matt 19:4-6). In other words, no divorce!
If that be the case, why then did Moses allow for divorce, and that it should be put in writing (Mark 10:4)? “And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept” (Mark 10:5). Jesus reminded them that marriage as a divine institution was meant to be permanent and a blessing to the married couple right from the start. “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Mark 10:7-9).
This original intention was spoiled by sin. Divorce is thus not a divine but a human institution. Divorce is not what God wanted, but what man wanted—“the hardness of your hearts”! The people in those days insisted on the bill of divorcement. Divorce is therefore a product of sin. It is shameful to divorce even though God has granted permission for it.
THOUGHT: Remember your marriage vow!
PRAYER: (Pray that your relationship with your spouse will be bound by the love of Christ in obedience to His Word.)