April 26, 2012 Speak of Jesus

Speak of Jesus Mark 10:10 When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about (divorce). 11 He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.” DO YOU think Jesus is realistic here? After all, many marriages end in divorce. Surely this is the thing to do when we can’t get along isn’t it? Why would Jesus call a second marriage adultery? This “divorce discourse” in today’s and yesterday’s scriptures is a focus on God’s intended purpose in marriage. He created marriage to be a lifelong bond of a one-flesh relationship through God that (Matt 19:6) “man (shall) not separate” But then sin divided or “divorced” that relationship. Divorce came into the world just as murder, theft and idolatry came as people turned from God. They took their eyes from the Lord and fixed their eyes on themselves and their own desires. Thus, when we see this black and white command, we think, “What does it really mean? Divorced people aren’t married. They’re free to marry again.” Jesus’ commands are aimed at people who casually divorce without cause. Too many people initiate divorce to satisfy sensual pleasures. This is sin, and this kind of divorce is sin that leads to more sin. A sin-influenced mind has brought great destruction on marriages. Strive as you can to stay true to God. Protect your marriage. Read God’s Word together. Pray for each other. When you do these things, you will desire God’s ways for your marriage. Ask the Holy Spirit to focus you on Jesus. Stay strong against sin. Stay married. If sin has stolen your spouse, pray for their repentance and know God wants to ease the ache in your heart. Pause and consider how focusing on God will keep your marriage good.