Marriage and Divorce in the Eyes of God

Did you know that there are no pictures of Jesus in existence? Oh artists have made their paintings of Him but not one single picture exists that was painted or drawn by an actual witness who really saw Jesus and would actually know what He looks like. The pictures on our walls are merely man’s concept of what he thinks Jesus looks like and clearly most are not even close to what He actually did.

So why would God, who has allowed His Holy Word to survive for thousands of years, not see fit to have someone draw us a picture of His Son, Jesus? I suggest because God wants the world to see Christ in us. The greatest witness the world can get from a Christian is to see Christ in them. The Bible is full of types and shadows that represent more than the simplest literal translations. One of the pictures of the relationship of Christ to His church is found in marriage.

So the implication here should be obvious, marriage is extremely important to God. It is not something Christians should take lightly. It is not something we should enter into without extreme caution nor is it to be lived out in our lives in a frivolous manner. The very first miracle Jesus performed was at a wedding. There are no coincidences in scripture. Marriage is important to God.

The flip side of marriage is divorce. The Bible has much to say about divorce. Marriage is so important to God that He made sure His Word spoke clearly about divorce and marriage. In the second chapter of Malachi we read God’s stern words about those who divorce their wives.

Malachi 2:16

“For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the LORD, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”

The NASB renders that verse as saying “For I hate divorce,” says the Lord, the God of Israel.”

Yes that is OT. But the basic moral laws of God were not removed when the New Covenant came along. Jesus had strong words about divorce as well. Listen to what Christ says on the topic of marriage and divorce.

Matthew 19:3-9
 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?"  "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,'  and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?  So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."  "Why then," they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?"  Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.  I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery."

The teaching is clear; Marriage is meant to be permanent. Divorce is a sin. The Bible’s overall teaching is that divorce is a sin for Christians except in the one case of adultery but even then it is not commanded. The entire theme of the New Testament is forgiveness, grace, and mercy. As Christians our witness to the world when we forgive our spouses for each and every transgression is the greatest witness possible for it is a picture of Jesus and His Church. Jesus died for His bride the Church. He paid the price for His bride’s transgressions by dying for her. This is our duty as well. While divorce between Christians is a sin of course it’s not the unpardonable sin. But the Church needs to step up and preach against sin. All sin. If a pastor told you it was ok to get divorced, unless adultery was involved he is just plain wrong and is doing what Malachi was giving a stern warning against in Malachi chapter 2. I suggest any Christian counseling a married couple read that chapter. This is serious business. If as Christians you and your spouse divorced and have not yet remarried, I strongly suggest you reconcile no matter how difficult that is. I promise you God will bless that.

Christians we have got to stop looking like the world. In terms of divorce we behave just like the world; the divorce rate in the church is the same as in the world. This cannot be.

So if you are a Christian make your marriage the most important thing in your life. Stop choosing your hobbies, your work, and anything else you are putting in front of your spouse as the apex of your life. Stop thinking “your rights” and “your needs” are what matter. Show the world Jesus through your marriage.

Marriage is hard. But once again the answers to having a successful marriage are found in scripture. Below is some of the best marital advice there is. Live and love your spouse in this way and your marriage will never be in danger.

Philippians 2:3-4
 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud  or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1 Peter 4:8
 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

Marriage is hard. It will be filled with trials and troubles. But I leave you with the hope of what will come to those who live out their marriage as God calls us to. Hear and obey God’s Word.

James 1:12
 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.