S) "5 But Jesus said to them, 'Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, God MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE. 7 FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER, 8 AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.'"
Mark 10:5-9 (NASB)
O) God never wants divorce. When a man and woman marry, and become one flesh, that's essentially a new creation. God wants none of His creations destroyed. He doesn't want others to destroy them and He doesn't want self destruction. I know there are a lot of very difficult situations for women and men alike, in some marriages, but I don't think divorce is ever God's will. I know that in our country, divorce can be involuntary for one of the spouses, but that's just more reason why work must be done to heal and preserve the marriage. Really embracing the concept of "one flesh" I think is foundational; realizing that divorce is like ripping a person apart is powerful concept imagery.
A) I see too much divorce around me. It scares me a lot. I don't fear for my marriage in any immediate way, but I am reminded often that marriage cannot be taken for granted. I thank God that my marriage is strong, but I am well aware of how marriages can be destroyed. It's a slow fade and I can't be my own worst enemy. I have a fairly unique idea, that divorce is always the man's fault. God made the man the spiritual head of the wife; if I am loving her and leading her the way I should, then I will never have to worry about Kristin wanting a divorce, for any reason. So, I must be vigilent with my marriage. I need to be fully invested in it, enjoying its benefits while respecting the demands of my place in it. I need to commit myself to self-sacrifice for my wife, under any righteous circumstance.
P) Father, thank You for blessing my marriage. I realize that even my ability to be a good husband is a gift that You've given me in grace. Thank You for giving me such a wonderful wife, Lord. She is literally an answered prayer and, like all of the gifts You give, I don't deserve her. Please forgive me for the sins I've committed against You and Kristin and my marriage, God. Thank You for the grace that blesses despite my shortcomings. Holy Spirit, continue to give me insight and direction, discernment and courage to lead Kristin the way I should and to protect our marriage the way I must. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) I see too much divorce around me. It scares me a lot. I don't fear for my marriage in any immediate way, but I am reminded often that marriage cannot be taken for granted. I thank God that my marriage is strong, but I am well aware of how marriages can be destroyed. It's a slow fade and I can't be my own worst enemy. I have a fairly unique idea, that divorce is always the man's fault. God made the man the spiritual head of the wife; if I am loving her and leading her the way I should, then I will never have to worry about Kristin wanting a divorce, for any reason. So, I must be vigilent with my marriage. I need to be fully invested in it, enjoying its benefits while respecting the demands of my place in it. I need to commit myself to self-sacrifice for my wife, under any righteous circumstance.
P) Father, thank You for blessing my marriage. I realize that even my ability to be a good husband is a gift that You've given me in grace. Thank You for giving me such a wonderful wife, Lord. She is literally an answered prayer and, like all of the gifts You give, I don't deserve her. Please forgive me for the sins I've committed against You and Kristin and my marriage, God. Thank You for the grace that blesses despite my shortcomings. Holy Spirit, continue to give me insight and direction, discernment and courage to lead Kristin the way I should and to protect our marriage the way I must. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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