Jesus: The Marriage Protector
Since I’ve been studying Mark 10:1-12 this week, concerning Jesus’ teaching on marriage and divorce, I have really been impacted by the sacredness of marriage. When asked about what permits a divorce, Jesus doesn’t go through a list of situations where divorce is allowable. He says (I’m paraphrasing), “Divorce should never happen. The Father’s plan is for there never to be divorce. Divorce only exists because of the sin in the hearts of men and women.” Wow! When I hear these words it makes me reaffirm my committment to my wife. I need to stand by my committment to God and her with great conviction. In every wedding ceremony I perform, I always include a part that is called ‘Covenant vs. Contract.’ I do this to educate the couple AND the wedding guests. Here is a summary of what I say, ‘The Christian marriage is a covenant that is to reflect our covenant keeping God. Conversly, a human contract is only binding when each party keeps up their end of the bargain. But a covenant committment says ‘I will love you whether you keep your covenant or not.’ This is evidenced in God’s character with His people. Rightly seeing our marriages as a covenant and not a contract is so important.’
Also in my message I reference how to lay a good foundation for a lifetime marriage. In my research I have been amazed at how the statistics prove the goodness of God’s plan for marriage. What I mean is that statistics overwhelmingly show that sexual impurity and living together before marriage dramatically increase the liklihood of divorce! Check out this link for ’26 Research Findings on Cohabitation vs. Marriage.’ http://www.physiciansforlife.org/content/view/242/27/. And, research shows that committment in marriage for the long haul results in greater happiness, productivity, and contentment. Not to mention that God knows best when it comes to how marriage is to work! Let’s be people to who honor God and our spouses through a lifetime committment.