What God has joined together

What God has joined together

Scripture:

When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there. Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?”

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”

Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.”

Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it. Matthew 19:1-12

Observation:

“What God has joined together, let no one separate!” From the beginning it has been God’s will that the marriage covenant be holy and permanent for life. Marriage was God’s original idea. He created us men and women and willed that of certain age, we should leave our homes and start a new family with a chosen mate, as one flesh. The hallmark of marriage is unity between  husband and wife, and gives us an excellent picture of what God intends between God and Israel, Jesus Christ and the Church. Jesus prayed that we might be one as He and the Father are one. That unity in heart and mind and purpose is something precious that God wills for us, and the unity in marriage is the closest of bonds instituted between individuals on earth.

During the time of the Pharisees, they were allowing divorce for frivolous reasons, and the Lord was quick to correct that their practice was wrong, and divorce should not even be allowed except for sexual immorality. In regard to this, we also get a picture of the dangerous consequences of the sin of adultery which is akin to separating what God has joined together. In such instances, it seems that the innocent party is released from the bond of marriage and is able to remarry without committing adultery. However, if divorce is done for any other reason, any subsequent remarriage would result in the parties involved to be committing adultery.  

The disciples are shocked at this teaching, concluding that it is better not to marry if one is still forced to continue in marriage to someone who has become no longer tolerable to live with. At this point, we are soberly reminded that marriage is not easy, and there are moments of differences that can be very severe, and really require leaning on the grace and mercy of God for help.

Here, the Lord also teaches His disciples concerning singlehood in His reference to eunuchs. Some were born that way, some were made that way by men and some choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom. He then adds that the one who can accept it should accept it, in reference to the last point.

Application:

Thank God for the sacredness and sanctity of marriage. For those of us who are married, let us resolve to be ever faithful to our spouse, knowing that our marriage relationship is divine, ordained by God and blessed by God according to His will. Resolve in our hearts to never entertain even thoughts of adultery, which breaks the bond that God has put together in marriage. It is in this area, that we really need to take captive every unclean thought and surrender it at the feet of Jesus. It is part of the necessity of denying ourselves and taking up our cross in living righteous lives in Him. Where marriage is difficult, or even impossible humanly, do not lose hope but continue to pray for reconciliation and healing, for with God all things are possible! For those of us yet to be married, consider the solemnity and sacredness of marriage, knowing that our vows are truly for better or worse, till death do us part. It is not flippant or temporal like Hollywood makes out to be, but for life.

For those who have the gift of celibacy, who are able to live a life of singleness in the service of God, they should accept their calling, and set themselves to serve God wholeheartedly.

Prayer:

We thank You Father in Heaven, for Your grace and for Your blessings. You blessed the human race with the gift of marriage, the joy and blessing of a man and woman committing their lives together for life. We thank You, Lord, for showing us the great unity You destine for us, even in the picture of the unity of marriage. For those of us who are married or are to be married, let us be ever loyal and faithful and loving to our spouse, resolving all difficulties with prayer and hope in You. Lead us not into temptation O Lord. Let adultery or sexual immorality be far away from us. For those who have the gift of celibacy, let us consecrate for lives of singleness and passion in doing Your will, for Your glory. We praise and thank You, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.