Matthew 5:31-32
Divorce
“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give
her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
In yesterday's reading, Jesus turned up the heat on defining adultery as lusting towards a woman is the same as adultery. Today, Jesus gives us tough words on divorce. He list only one reason for divorce and that is on
the grounds of sexual immorality. He doesn't say to get a divorce for this reason, but it is an exception. We are to be forgiving... period! If we can't deal with it, then we could file for divorce, but God doesn't like divorce. Many
will be mad at what I am saying, but you are not mad at me, but at what Jesus has taught. Read it for yourselves. Jesus goes on to say that if you marry a divorced woman, you commit adultery. I will admit that these are tough words. Jesus
is tightening the noose on sin. I have had some people come to me and not like these words. I understand. I think what Jesus is doing is showing all of us that we are all sinners and fall short. We are all in need of His forgiveness.
If you have a problem with these last two days, I want to ask you a question. Do you have a hard time seeing yourself as a sinner?
I pray: O Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner
and fall short. My only hope for eternal life is through your life, death, and resurrection. Help me to cling to you, without you, there is no hope. Amen.