Saturday, October 23, 2010

Matthew 19

9 comments:

Unknown said...

My bible says "but divorce was not allowed in the beginning". in verse 8. That kind of got my attention and I had to go and look it up in the greek. The literal meaning of houto is "in this manner" or "this way". It brought to mind a conversation we had at small group, how our "customs" and culture dictate what is acceptable and what isn't to a large degree. What is considered "modest" for instance, or grounds for divorce.

I think people will justify their decision to look out for their own best interests but then take it too far. I do think that abuse is cause to inform the authorities and separate one from their spouse. But divorce? A bad temper? An ultimatum for a spouse who doesn't change a character flaw or pursue counselling? I think we completely downplay the sanctity of the marriage covenant despite the sinfulness of the sopuse. Rather than seeking separation and reconciliation the way the Bible endorses, people divorce on a whim and remarry in pursuit of happiness.

I can't help but think the Bible is even more emphasizing against remarriage than it is against divorce. It permits divorce, but I don't see remarriage permitted ANYWHERE unless the spouse has broken the marital covenant through uniting themself sexually to another, or unless of course the spouse is deceased.

It's just sad how little value we place on the sanctity of the marital covenant and how much emphasis we place on our own comfort and happiness. "God would want me to be happy." I have heard that from a number of friends who have sought to justify their divorce. God wants us to be happy yes. Despite our circumstances. And walking in complete submission to HIS divine plan.

also struck by how riches corrupt. At least that's my take on why it is so hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. I think it is very hard to be rich and not get caught up in the idolatry of this world. Things, homes, possesions, building a kingdom down here and not focusing on the eternal. This is not true for all of course, but the other is truly the exception.

Chris said...

Our society (and even our churches) have overstepped judgement here by changing what we think should be acceptable to God. (did I say that right?) I fear that we have strayed pretty far.

As far as marriage goes, I think too many people don't take the time and accept the counsel and wisdom of godly people before entering in to this covenant.

It's interesting that Jesus makes special point of saying that not marrying is favorable... He knows that while marriage brings so much joy, it also opens the door to many challenges and temptations along the way.

With the rich man, I think of the book I just read, which says there's three lines of Christianity. One where Jesus does everything, and we offer none of ourselves. The second is where we offer the best of what we have to please God. The third is giving EVERYTHING over, even our very breath, to be entrusted to Jesus. I want to be across the third line.

Berry Girl said...

it's easy to forget in our society how MUCH emphasis God places on the sanctity of marriage. It's holy, and it's not to be trifled with. And the only reason He gave an "escape clause" was because we are so hard of heart.
That breaks my heart.
Mostly because sometimes I myself find it easy to lose sight of how sacred marriage is - it's easy to become slack in the way we treat each other, and often our spouse gets the *worst* of us when they should be receiving the best. I find that Randy often get the brunt of my bad mood or crabby day.
Something I need to be mindful of.

Unknown said...

wow, girlfriends. I got the biggest warm fuzzy to read your comments and see you had "sought the Lord early" on a Saturday morning. Seriously love it. B-girl, I'm so glad you are back sharing your thoughts here, I seriously missed you.

Joan said...

Since comments have been made on divorce and re-marriage I'll ask you all a question on being single.
vs. 12 - "some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven". "A good reason to remain single is to use the time and freedom to serve God" says the Life Application bible. Does God or the church place more responsibility on a single person to serve God then a person with a spouse and/or children? My daughter who is single has told me of sermons she heard in a BC church on this topic and so I'm wondering what you all think.

I too am impressed with the comments and dedication to read the scripture especially on a Sat. morning from you young Moms. God will Bless you for it.

Berry Girl said...

I think I just needed a break, but now it's time to get back. I've been reading, sporadically, but I need to get back into fellowshipping.

That's an interesting question Joan. I have a friend who is single and content with that - she works as the dean of women at a bible college. She would feel that she has more time and energy to "serve" since she doesn't have those other responsibilities - she can pour herself out into the students and their problems, guide and mentor to her heart's content.
I've never heard of sermons being preached though telling people that if they're single then they *should* serve more...

Unknown said...

questions, questions. Chris, can you help me out with the "Jesus makes a special point of pointing out that not marrying is favorable"? I'm missing that.

I see the disciples saying, "if this is the case (that adultery is the only grounds for divorce and a divorced person who remarries becomes guilty of adultery) then it makes a pretty kettle of fish and it would be better not to marry at all.... and Jesus saying, yes, it is a hard teaching, but if you are not called to celibacy, buck up and face the fact that this is God's design for the marital covenant.

Basically what I see it saying is that if you can't take the heat, (commit to the sanctity of marriage even when the going gets tough) stay out of the fire (don't get married), but if you can't take the heat of temptation, you better get married (that from Paul, though).

Unknown said...

Joan, I think it's a matter of perception. What does it mean to invest in the kingdom? I think married women can invest in the kingdom from a home focus, there ministry is centred in the home because she is called as a wife and mother to serve her husband and children and manage their home wisely to the glory of God. The unmarried woman is "freer" to serve others than I am but I don't think there is any greater duty or responsibility tied to that. I think I have just as much responsibility to advance the kingdom as Andrea would, only she will not have as "complicated" a time of fitting that in as I will... it is easier for her in a way to serve others without the complications of the schedules and needs of (in my case) 6 other people who are dependent on me.

I think some men (like Billy Graham for instance) were blessed in marriage and ministry. I think other people (some missionaries who abandoned their wives and children for YEARS on end to advance the kingdom) should have rather remained single. I think God gifts and calls people differently and we all must advance the kingdom in whatever state we are in, and noone has more responsibility to do so than another, but it just all looks different and has different levels of conflict and complication.

Chris said...

Favorable isn't the word I should have chosen to use. (was it the lack of coffee this morning?) Maybe acceptable is the word I was looking for... I didn't mean it to compare one against the other (single vs. married); just that is okay to stay single, especially if you are not serious about the commitment that is before you.