Read: Matthew
19
Once again the Pharisees try to trap Jesus. This time it’s on the
question of marriage and divorce. Later on in the chapter, a man attempts to
get an answer to his question about eternal life. It’s so fascinating that
Jesus always responds with another question or by cutting right to the core of
an issue. We can learn so much about how to live a life that is pleasing to the
Lord through these passages! And right in the midst of it all, Jesus further
emphasizes that the “kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”, that is,
those who are like children.
Jesus takes the Pharisees question and raises up both the value of
marriage AND singleness! If some renounce marriage to focus on the kingdom of
heaven, and do so by God’s grace and direction, this can be pleasing to God!
However, if we decide to get married, this too can be pleasing to God provided we make a commitment to keep
our covenant with the one who God has
joined together. Marriage is not accidental and God is involved in it! It’s
all about God – that’s the point – whether we are single or married. Further,
Jesus makes an allowance for divorce, obviously out of compassion for the one
who has experienced great pain due to their spouse’s unfaithfulness. Jesus is
making sure we all understand that in making marriage “all about God”, we must
not get caught up in severe black-and-white rules. Some may object – “but
people will use this freedom to sin and to exit marriages when they shouldn’t”.
The objection is true, but here’s what we need to realize. God will deal with
such straying and disobedient lives, if not now, on judgment day. Since it’s
“all about God”, we can keep upholding high standards, while leaving room for
other grace and future judgment.
In response to the rich man’s question about how to get eternal life,
Jesus goes right after his heart! In response to this passage we may be tempted
to minimize what Jesus said OR believe that all believers should sell everything
they have. There’s a third way to go. It is to ensure that we have absolute
allegiance to Jesus! This is what He is looking for! The rich man did not have
this because of his riches. Is there anything in our lives like this? While
this may seem harsh, Jesus reminds them that there is AND will be great reward
for this kind of allegiance. We have a choice – first now, last later OR last
now, first later? May the Spirit of God give us wisdom into how this applies to
us personally!
Journaling and Prayer
1.
Spend some time thanking God for His mercy! When we consider how high
the bar is, we need to marvel at His grace and forgiveness. Let’s also thank
Him for being truthful with us, for being honest with us when we ask how we’re
doing. He really wants us to experience the rewards and blessings of His
Kingdom.
2.
If you’re single, spend some time asking God for the grace to be content
in your singleness. Also ask God – in this season of life, how can I use my
singleness to my advantage for the advancement of the kingdom? If married,
allow God to speak to you about your faithfulness or unfaithfulness to your
marriage covenant.
3.
Ask God to provide you with an honest assessment of anything that is
getting in the way of allegiance to Jesus. In reality, many of us are rich
relative to the world’s standards. Are we like the rich man in anyway? It is
vital that we let God shepherd our heart on this. ... Rash decisions are not
wise, neither is ignoring the reality of what level of commitment Jesus is
asking.
