AS IT WAS; AS IT IS (3)

Highlighting Jesus’ review of the laws of Moses

Flashback

This is the third edition of the series, where we discussed the doctrinal reviews Jesus made on the laws of Moses. In the introductory edition, we considered the issue of offense and reconciliation.

In the second, we considered the case of adultery and judgment. View previous edition. Here is the third issue Jesus raised in Matthew 5.

"You Have Been Told"

"Whosoever puts away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement.” (Matthew 5: 31)

"But I Say Unto You"

"Whosoever puts away his wife, (except for infidelity) causes her to commit adultery and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced commits adultery.” (Matthew 5: 32)

No Longer As It Was

Yes! Back in the Law, (in Deuteronomy 24 verse 1), men were permitted to divorce their wives when they no longer found them pleasing to be their wives.

This went on and on, until Jesus came. It is no longer so. The Law permitted a man to put away (divorce) his wife at will. But Jesus reviewed this commandment.

Jesus announced that this should no longer be so. He came with the message of love –for one's neighbour, friends and even enemies. A stronger bond is commanded for one's spouse.

Love Covers Every Wrong

Jesus regarded the marriage review as necessary. So he attended to them. If God loves us in spite of our flaws, we are expected to demonstrate similar love to our spouses. 1 John 4:11 says Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

Love, as Apostle Paul expound in 1 Corinthians 13, is more than just a feeling. It is a responsibility, it's a sacrifice. The timeless adage, ‘Love covers every wrong,’ is still valid.

The situations that precedes divorce can be handled and controlled with knowledge and the love God commands. Jesus said this to preserve families from breaking down.

Broken Marriages Lead to Broken Societies

When a family is torn apart, the peace, harmony, and progress of both parents and children is affected dangerously. This translates to society: dysfunctional children are often products of dysfunctional or broken homes; and dysfunctional children make a dysfunctional society.

I suggest one of the reasons Jesus gave the exception of infidelity as an excuse for divorce was to keep a check on exuberance on the part of the wife. Otherwise, divorce is not an option.

However, Jesus notes in Matthew 19: 8, where the same issue was raised, that it was not so from the beginning. Marriage was meant to be valued and protected.

Prepare for Marriage; Protect Your Marriage

So far, this review by Grace has helped homes. Jesus condemns divorce. This is not the world's way, but God's way; the Kingdom way. If you are not yet married, then start watching against divorce. Start preparing for marriage. Read marriage books, listen to tapes, pray about your marriage Myles Monroe said "God hates divorce because of what it does to the divorcee."

I pray you find the recommendation of Jesus pleasant enough to comply.

“The Family and Society” will greatly bless you. Shalom.

Listen to Goodlife Podcast. 🎧

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