Dietrich Bonhoeffer, author of the classic book, The Cost of Discipleship, was arrested by the Nazis in WWII and died in a German concentration camp. While in prison, he wrote many letters which have been preserved for us. In a letter to a young girl contemplating marriage, his words are priceless.
“Is there anything more beautiful in life than a young couple clasping hands and pure hearts in the path of marriage? Can there be anything more beautiful than young love? Yes, there is a more beautiful thing. It is the spectacle of an old man and an old woman finishing their journey together on that path. Their hands are gnarled, but still clasped; their faces are seamed, but still radiant; their hearts are physically bowed and tired, but still strong with love and devotion for one another. Yes, there is a more beautiful thing than young love–Old love.”
One of the ways the people disobeyed and offended the Lord in Malachi 2 was that they did not honor the marriage relationship He had given them. God desires to heal all our relationships: first of all, our relationship with Him (vertically) plus our relationships with others (horizontally), including marriage. Marriage is a sacred institution, given to man first (Genesis 2:24), before the other two institutions (church, state). Sadly we are seeing the continued disintegration of the sanctity of marriage in our day. The result is ruin and devastation.
David Guzik, pastor and Bible commentator (enduringword.com), shares this powerful insight.
He hates divorce: There is no doubt that God hates divorce because it destroys what He loves – marriage is the LORD’s holy institution which He loves. Specifically, we can say that God hates divorce for at least three reasons:
• God hates divorce because it breaks a solemn vow.
• God hates divorce because it is harmful.
• God hates divorce because it illustrates apostasy and damnation.
There is no doubt that God allows divorce in particular circumstances, though divorce is never commanded. God’s heart is always for repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation in marriage. We have sinned against God far worse than any spouse could sin against us, and God does not divorce us – though He has every right to!
Yet because we are fallen and suffer from hardness of heart, God gives permission for divorce in two circumstances. Sexual immorality is valid grounds (Matthew 19:1-9), and so is desertion by an unbelieving spouse (1Corinthians 7:10-16).
Jesus loves marriage. Why? It is the picture of His relationship with His Bride, the Church (Ephesians 5:25-33, especially v32). Because Jesus loves marriage, Satan hates it and is doing everything he can to destroy it.
If you are married, please guard your marriage. There is nothing automatic about it, except to decline. So keep watch over it. Honor and cherish your spouse. Let your marriage be a showcase for the presence and glory of Jesus.
If you are not married, pray for those who are. It is a spiritual battle and prayer is essential. If you desire to be married, begin praying for your future spouse. Ask the Holy Spirit to prepare that person for you and you for that person. Don’t depend upon chance; rely on Christ’s wisdom. Honor the Lord with all your relationships.
This Sunday, August 11, we will continue our teaching series, “Living Right-side Up in an Upside Down World”, with the challenge to “Stay Strong!” from Malachi 2. Please invite someone to join you at 10:35am in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday at 10:35am to both locations and would love to have you join us.
Note: Last Sunday’s Livestream was faulty (no sound or live action) due to a problem with the streaming company we use. They have assured us the problem is fixed and will not happen again. Mahalo for your patience!
Last Saturday was the ladies’ “Style Swap” and clothes are still available for you for free in the Fellowship Hall. Also, last Sunday’s Water Baptism was a beautiful event as Mario made a courageous decision to publicly declare his commitment to follow Jesus. If you have not yet stepped up in this crucial act of obedience, please let me know.
Aloha ke Akua!
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