God's Intended Marriage

N.T.#392 "God's Intended Marriage"

Sept. 17, 2024 

Mark 10-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

Marriage can be a challenge. When two individuals, with two different backgrounds, come together, they have a lot of adjusting to do, no matter the age. Life is not easy. Keeping god first is the only solution. What did Jesus teach us about divorce?

Jesus usually went a step further in His confrontations of the Pharisees. They saw divorce as a legal issue instead of a spiritual one. Jesus exposed the selfish motives of the Pharisees. He always had a good answer, didn't He? Those religious leaders were not concerned about what God intended for marriage. They were always trying to make Jesus look bad before the people. Catch Him in something He did not know. which is ironic. Jesus permitted divorce when the spouse had been unfaithful, Paul recognized divorce when the unbelieving partner leaves the marriage. Sometimes it is necessary when physical survival or the well-being of children is involved.

What is God's intentions for marriage? Jesus held up God's ideal for marriage and told His followers to live by that ideal.

• God made male and female in the beginning. (verse 6) (Genesis 1:27) That is the only marriage union that God blesses, recognizes, and has for us-marriage between a man and a woman.
• A man must leave his parents and be joined to his wife. (verse 7) The vows are a type of covenant between the man and woman before God. they stay together until death parts them.
• Since the two are one now, no one is to split them apart what God has joined together. (verses 8-9)

The Pharisees had become so consumed with the question of divorce that they had forgotten God's design for marriage revealed in God's Word.

Dear one, I know it is hard at times to remain married. Things happen and situations try to drive us apart. But, did we make the commitment to our spouse and to God that we would remain faithful to them as long as we live? Prayer works. And consider, the best is yet to come. Love never fails. Stay in there and fight for your marriage. We have to be an overcomer. Pray for our spouse, serve them, love them more that other people. God does answer our prayers.

LET IT GROW

When they were alone, the disciples asked Jesus more about the same issue. (verse 10) Anyone who divorces his or her mate, Jesus replied, and marries another is committing adultery. He added an exception-save for fornication in Matthew 5:32; 19:9) (verses 11-12) God has not cancelled the first marriage.

May I add, each one must consider their circumstances, and consequences, as well as the results a divorce will have on any children present in the union. It is an individual decision to be taken before God. Seek His will, not your own. Abuse should not be tolerated, my personal opinion. 

Next lesson, we can move on. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His will.

LET IT GO 

Help us teach our children Your Word and truth.

Use us to stand up against sin in our society.

We live for Your honor and glory.