Text: Matthew 19:7 NKJV

Further Reading: Matthew 19:7-9

They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?”

Matthew 19:7 NKJV

MESSAGE

In our ever-changing world, certain practices seem to have become normal and acceptable even when it is not with God. Many so-called Christian nations have now settled with certain practices that go against the scripture. It is even sad to see the Church bend to this new way instead of following the scripture.

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” II Timothy 2:19 NKJV

Although society may agree that gay people can marry, we know that it is not acceptable to God. Another unacceptable practice that is now common everywhere including in strict religious and conservative cultures is divorce.

We must note that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). No matter how you try to justify it, what God hates is never acceptable. In our text and reading of the day, the question of divorce was put to Jesus and He gave a clear revelation on what the will of God is.

Observe that even though Moses gave the law to the children of Israel to divorce under the condition of adultery, that law does not override the law and ordinance of God. The Lord pointed out that divorce was not in God’s original design for man. Society may accept it, and the modern church may condone it, but that would not make God love divorce.

Why then should you do what God hates? Jesus said that what God has joined together, man should not separate. This is the original design of God. Are you at the edge of seeking a divorce or do you have a paper ready? You should take a little step backward and ask yourself, “Is this what God will have me do?”.

Some will however point to this scripture:

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. Matthew 5:32 NKJV

Even in the case of infidelity, divorce is not the perfect solution. Where then is the place of forgiveness? If Christ has forgiven you much, so then must you forgive others, especially your spouse. God wants you to have a happy family, God wants your children to be in a United home, what do you think divorce will do? It will obviously tear down your home.

Marriage is for better for worse, it is a lifetime commitment. Marriage is not an experiment, so pray and think carefully before entering it. Divorce is not an option because God hates Divorce.

REFLECTION

He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.

Matthew 19:8 NKJV

Divorce is not from the beginning, it is the result of the fallen and corrupt state of man. Christians who have been redeemed and born again of the incorruptible seed of God must therefore live by the divine plan of God through His grace alone.

PRAYER

Father, please heal broken marriages and help families to stay together. Please put an end to divorce in our society and let families ve