We live in a day where the Bible is once again being called “hate speech”. And, if you declare loud enough, the whole counsel of God, it could get you thrown into prison. This is exactly what happened to the family and forerunner of Jesus – John the Baptist.
Luke 3:18–20 (ESV) — 18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. 19 But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, 20 added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.
John’s message was simple: Hey, King, you cannot be married to Herodias. Your brother is still alive; therefore, she is still his wife (cf. Romans 7:1-3).
Today, people want to believe that you can swap out your partner for a newer model. So, at the first hint of “irreconcilable differences”, instead of seeking counsel some couples will renege on the vows they made before God and man.
- Is your spouse sick, why not get a healthier one?
- Is your spouse poor, why not get a wealthier one?
Yet, Jesus says there is only one reason for divorce: Matthew 5:32 (ESV) — 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Friends, where would you and I be if God forsook us every time we were unfaithful to Him? Hold to God’s unchanging word and hold high His whole counsel.
