S) "16 'For I hate divorce,' says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'and him who covers his garment with wrong,' says the Lord of hosts. 'So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.'"
Malachi 2:16 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Malachi 2
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Malachi 2
O) Judgment had begun in the house of God, with Malachi's prophecies coming directly against the priesthood. While some passages from this book are specific to the Old Covenant, regarding priestly duties and the like, we know that this verse transcends it, giving us a glimpse of God's character. We are certain of this, because Jesus repeatedly spoke against divorce. The LORD is faithful to His promises, even when we are unfaithful. Jesus is the perfect bridegroom to His imperfect bride, the church. Marriage is supposed to be a reflection of the covenant we have with God. It is supposed to be emblematic. It should be an obvious sign of holiness among God's people. God hates divorce because it dishonors Him, maligns the gospel itself, and because it hurts His children.
A) The finer points of the psychological impact of divorce are not exactly fleshed out in the Bible. Unfortunately, I am familiar with them firsthand. My own parents divorced, initially splitting up when I was ten. Because I'm in a big family, that also meant I saw firsthand how it impacted a fifteen year old boy, a twelve year old boy, an eight year old boy, etc. Obviously, it's anecdotal, but divorce in my country is prevalent enough, and there is enough well-documented data, to show how divorce is fundamentally painful. My first point of application must be my own marriage. I cannot take any part of my relationship to Kristin for granted. So far, my marriage has felt blessedly easy, but I know that circumstances can rock any relationship, and I must do all I can to ensure my marriage is as strong as I can make it. Primarily, that must be done through my faith in Jesus Christ, and my submission to Him first. Only then, can I truly love my wife as Christ loved the church. Second, I have a duty (and a blessed privilege) to be involved in the lives of other marriages. In that, I must make every effort to love and support other husbands in their own marriages. I must have the same attitude that God has, that I would hate the notion of divorce. I need to do everything I can to encourage reconciliation, sacrifice, mercy, grace, and love. It starts with being an example, and then to doing all I can to love and support others in their marriages. The third aspect, is the unfortunate reality that many of the people I know are already divorced. While their initial divorce may not have been justified (because of adultery, that is), it is usually the case that their divorce has become validated (if I can call it that) by new relationships. In those cases, I must do all I can to love and support newness, healing, and growth. Divorce sucks, and I want to do everything I can to prevent it. When it's already done, I want to do everything I can to bring healing and life, loving as Jesus loves.
P) Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for the example You set, about commitment to promises. Help me to be Your hands and feet, loving others who are struggling in their marriages. Let me share Your wisdom, Your love, Your healing, Your reconciliation. Be glorified in my own marriage. Help me to protect it. However I can, let me honor You with my marriage. However I can, let me honor You with how I support other men in their marriages. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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