Matthew 5:31-32
Divorce is always tricky from a biblical viewpoint. Its always ugly, I think most people would agree about that. And clearly its acceptable in cases of "unfaithfulness," which I would say includes any breaking of vows, covering abuse and infidelity. Nonetheless, Jesus' words are still tough, making those who remarry adulterers too! Alright what do you all think? I'm stumped. I would say the best message I can learn is to chose your spouse CAREFULLY!!! Seems obvious but too many of my generation and beyond do NOT take it seriously. Thoughts?
I'm sure my idea is radical, but marriage now is so completely different from the marriage that was. Marriage is tied up into ideals such as love and etc. Marriage then was buisness, family reputation, and other factors. So really we would have to look at that type of marriage to see where Jesus is going with that. Let me think on it.
ReplyDeleteP.S. This is awesome.
Alright a few more thoughts. Jesus is making it clear that you can't just go divorcing a woman for just any reason. I think it is a stern reminder that divorce comes with a cost. Men think they just give off a "certificate of divorce" and then go on their merry way. No, no, no. Divorce takes lifelong tolls on those involved.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I also like how this part on divorce comes between the sections of adultery and oaths... like a connection between lust and promises.
ReplyDeleteHey brother, thanks for openly sharing your thoughts, wise words, and points to ponder. There is one idea even more radical than James' first post: That Jesus actually meant what he said, and that he said it for us too. In any event, I'm with you on your title.
ReplyDeleteAgreed again! The Bible was written for us just as much as it was written for anybody. I believe Jesus did mean what he said, and far be it from me to reject Christ. However, what does such a marriage and divorce look like in reality? Marriage has indeed become something that it was not in Jesus day and age. I am not looking for an excuse to write off Jesus, but to figure out how to live it and encourage others to live.
ReplyDeleteI believe political marriage and church marriage are different concepts, though time and tradition have united them. Secular marriages (or those begun in churches that in practice could just as well be without the church) are imitations of the spiritual union in Christ that is the true church marriage between believers. Christian marriages should model to the world what real "holy matrimony" is. As such, I believe Jesus is speaking to us, more so than secular marriages (few in Jesus' day would have looked upon marriage as secular or outside God's ordination).
Good comments guys! Thanks!