Topic: A Two-In-One Relationship [6th September 2018 Daily Devotional]
Text: Matthew 19:1-12 (KJV)
Key Verse: “But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given“ (Matthew 19:11).
MESSAGE:
Jesus, in His early ministry, esteemed teachings about the kingdom of God. Aside from using this medium to draw men to God, He needed to show forth the true perspectives of the kingdom.
The text today lays emphasis on the institution of marriage in relation to the question of divorce. The question the Pharisees asked Jesus about divorce, therefore, orchestrates from a mischievous perspective. Jesus, in response, made them aware that if marriage would indeed align with the perfect will of God, it must be according to God’s design of a two-in-one relationship (Matthew 19:6). The Pharisees justified their question by referring to Moses’ injunction that a man could give his wife “a bill of divorcement” if she no longer found his favours due to uncleanness (Deuteronomy 24:1). But Jesus overruled this because that was not in the original plan of God. Moses did this because the people hardened their hearts. God planned that the husband and the wife are to be one flesh (Matthew 19:6).
From Jesus’ teaching, marriage is a union of sacrificial love, longsuffering and reciprocal dealings. Divorce is a product of bitterness and no bitter person will inherit the kingdom of God.
Marriage is a true reflection of the union between Christ and His Bride, the Church. Believing couples who are products of godly marriage must not divorce each other, irrespective of offences.
Thought For The Day: The Christian home is an abode of rest, not turmoil.
Bible Reading In One Year: Ezekiel 32-34
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
