Tag: Psalm 87:5-6
Back to basics for marriage
Scripture reading for May 2nd: Matthew 19, Psalm 87, Proverbs 25
Matthew 19: 3-9 “And Pharisees came up to Him and tested Him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” He answered, “Have you not read that He Who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.””
Marriage and divorce issues have been a part of mankind since the fall. There has been enmity and violence sown by Satan against those called to love one another and live together in harmony. Even in the law of Moses, God made an allowance for divorce because of the hardness of heart that develops in these situations of strife. Jesus carefully explained God’s original design. God made male and female, man and woman, to live together in a holy relationship of marriage. Their union was blessed and ordained by God to become ‘one flesh’ and produce children made in God’s image. God loves children and designed a loving home with father and mother as a place to instruct the children, protect them, and provide for them until they would also marry and pass it on. Sacred marriage produces sacred children because it models Christ Jesus and His Bride.
Psalm 87:5-6 “And of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in her”; for the Most High Himself will establish her. The Lord records as He registers the peoples, “This one was born there.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this clear and simple instruction about marriage and divorce. Have mercy on our nation for ignoring and twisting this instruction to mean something else. Forgive us for our own hardness of heart, broken families and hurt children. Heal our people of their rebellion against Your simple design and use Your people to model loving and sacred marriages and raise children to know You.
Proverbs 25:24 “It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in house shared with a quarrelsome wife.”
Jesus’ example for the ‘sent ones’!
Scripture reading for November 9th: Ezekiel 37-39, Psalm 87, John 13
John 13: 14-20 “”If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you: I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate My bread has lifted his heel against Me.’ I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am He. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives the One Who sent Me.””
Jesus had washed the disciples feet at the Last Supper and when He had finished, He instructed those disciples who would become apostles–“sent out ones.” This great Master, Lord and Teacher showed them what their mission was–serving and loving one another. As servants, these apostles were not ‘greater’ than their Master and Lord. It would be a blessed act to apply these Words of Jesus. Those who would respond to their apostolic message would receive them. In receiving them, they would receive Jesus Who sent them. In receiving Jesus, they would also receive the One Father Who sent Him. Those receiving would be given by grace the gift of the Father–the Holy Spirit and keys of God’s kingdom.
Ezekiel 39:7 “And My holy Name I will make known in the midst of My people Israel, and I will not let My holy Name be profaned any more. And the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One of Israel.”
Prayer: Father God, the Holy One of Israel and Most High, thank You for sending Jesus Christ, Master, Lord, Teacher, and Savior to set an example for His followers of servant leadership. Thank You for marking each of those who believe with Your Holy Spirit and writing our names in Your register. Use me to share this Good News with all nations that all may know You and the Father Who sent You.
Psalm 87:5-6 “And of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in her”; for the Most High Himself will establish her. The Lord records as He registers the peoples, “This one was born there.” Selah