Day 37
Matthew 5:31-32 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.”
Well OK, here we go, tell me this is not something far too many people don’t want to hear. I understand how harsh this passage may sound to some of you, but let’s really be honest: these are Jesus’ words to us. The hard cold truth is that, yes, Jesus was speaking to people who had gotten in the habit of writing letters of divorce simply because they desired a change or whatever other twisted reason they would conjure up. However, the reality is that the Lord inspired these writings, and He knew that they would be read by countless millions who were not a part of the Jewish culture. Therefore, His words (just as all of His other words) are just as relevant for us today as they were then and will be tomorrow and forever.
Yes, Jesus does say that divorce on the grounds of anything other than sexual immorality is a sin–on that we can agree. Now, what must one do when they have missed the mark? If you said repent, you are absolutely correct. Therefore, if you are in any way connected to one or more adulterous relationships, there is hope–repentance. Before you judge others or say that this passage has nothing to do with you, let us look back at verse 5:28 where Jesus tells us that if we look upon another woman desiring to have intercourse, then we have committed adultery. You see, this is a very slippery slope for both men and women, and in reality, far too many of us have failed in this area and would rather not admit it. Yes, these are difficult subjects, and yes, Jesus speaks words that can cut to the bone, yet we need to hear and heed them. He is not saying that there is no hope for salvation for those who fail in sexual purity, but He is saying ‘admit to your failures.’ Let us remember the powerful words in John 3:17, “Jesus did not come to condemn the world but that through Him the world might be saved.”
The bottom line is this: marriage is not something to be taken lightly, and far too many have. Rather than a lifelong commitment, marriage has become a convenience: for women, security; for men, comfort. The reality is marriage should be far much more than convenience and comfort. Marriage is two becoming one: a front united to stand against the temptations and struggles of this world–a holy union of two bodies, two souls, two pasts, two futures, and much, much more. Marriage is permanent in the eyes of God and should be equally so in the eyes and hearts of men and women.
Therefore, I challenge you, if you are married, make it work; if you are not, don’t be until you are sold out to being one with another.
Daily Prayer: Father, I ask you today for protection against sexual immorality. Give me the strength to remain pure in my heart and in my mind in order that I might bring glory to your name. I pray these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Purity begins and ends in the heart.”
Gene Burroughs, Servant
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