What God Has Joined Together...

SCRIPTURE



Deuteronomy 24:1-5 (NRSV)

Laws about divorce

Suppose a man enters into marriage with a woman, but she does not please him because he finds something objectionable about her, and so he writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house; she then leaves his house and goes off to become another man's wife. Then suppose the second man dislikes her, writes her a bill of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house (or the second man who married her dies); her first husband, who sent her away, is not permitted to take her again to be his wife after she has been defiled; for that would be abhorrent to the Lord, and you shall not bring guilt on the land that the Lord your God is giving you as a possession.

When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army or be charged with any related duty. He shall be free at home one year, to be happy with the wife whom he has married.



DEVOTION

Today my attention is captured by the verse that says, “When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army or be charged with any related duty. He shall be free at home one year, to be happy with the wife whom he has married.”

This is a good message for all of us who enjoy the ministry of marriage. It is incredibly important that we learn to set aside time that is just for us to “be happy with the spouse whom we have married.”

All too often married couples allow the pressures of life to crowd into the marriage. Worries about money, sex, children, and/or work interfere with a couple’s ability to love each other well.

It seems that in the hustle and bustle of life, we take each other for granted. We mistakenly believe that since we have a covenant vow with our partner that means that s/he is the one who should always be willing to wait when the going gets tough.

Well, let me tell you friends, no one is willing to always be second fiddle!

Our marriage ministries ought to be our number one priority in life! It is absolutely essential that every single day we set aside time to “be happy with the spouse whom we have married.”

Whether you make time first thing in the morning or last thing in the night, your marriage will benefit from time spent together “checking-in,” sharing your feelings, reconnecting physically, reading the Bible, and/or praying together.

In my own marriage, my husband and I spend one hour before we go to bed each night “being happy” with each other in one way or another. We also set aside two weekends a month for “date night.” (I actually know couples who are able to do this every weekend—I’m working toward this reality! Smile…)

Let me share something with you, my friends, couples who take the time to love each other well through good communication and regular sexual intimacy are much happier than those who do not. And couples who value, prize, and esteem each other above all else will remain married when the marriages of their friends, neighbors, and family members fail.

Friends, if your marriage is already in deep trouble because of neglect, it is not too late to save it! But, both of you are going to have to eat some “humble pie.” Both of you are going to need to confess your “sin” to one another and to God, acknowledging the manifold ways in which you have failed to “be happy with the spouse whom you have married.” Both of you are going to have to extend and receive forgiveness, as you renew your vows and your commitment to prioritize your marriage above everything else. And for some marriages, counseling from a pastor or therapist will even be in order!

Aren’t you glad that God loves us so much that God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life? Jesus teaches us how to love and forgive! Now is the time to follow His example as we extend love and forgiveness to our spouses.

Beloved of God, when you took your marriage vows, you promised to love, comfort, honor, and keep your spouse in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, keeping only to each other as long as you both shall live!

At the conclusion of the marriage, the pastor probably said something like, “What God has joined together, let no one put asunder!”


Dear Ones, these are most serious vows! Today, I invite you to set aside special time to “renew” these vows in the presence of your spouse. Show—and tell—your spouse how very much you love, value, prize, and esteem him/her. And then make a commitment to “check-in” daily on the health of your marriage! You’ll be glad you did.

Won’t you pray with me?

Holy God, you have given me the gift of marriage and it is a ministry. Please help me to discharge this holy service to you and to my spouse with love, joy, and peace. Please forgive me for failing to prioritize this most precious gift. I love you and I love my spouse. Please fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I will be equipped and empowered to be your good news within my family. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus."

http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html