THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 10:1-12
“It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law.” (Mark 10:5)
There are times when keep a marriage vow can be difficult or impossible.
If your partner does not keep their vow, or if they leave you for someone else.
But there are also times when we are the problem, when our hearts are hard.
Divorce (broken vows) was never God’s design in the beginning (v.6-9).
It was included by Moses because we are stubborn, blind, selfish.
But this does not make it good, or acceptable, or beneficial.
When ‘one flesh’ is ripped in two, there is always blood (pain, sadness, suffering).
God is merciful, He meets us in our messes, and tries to help us out of them.
But Jesus reminds us of the seriousness of the sin that leads to vow-breaking.
Sin remains serious (which is why Jesus had to die for it), but God remains merciful.
If you have made vows before God in marriage, take them seriously.
Look for God’s help to honour them, not to break them.
Divorce may be unavoidable, you may be willing but your partner not.
But at least you can fight it while you can, and trust God’s mercy if it falls apart.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help those who are struggling in their marriage, and those who have experienced divorce. Bring healing and hope to the victims of divorce, and healing conviction to those who have been the cause of divorce.