Let Man Not Separate
November 13, 2008 by pastorstjohn
Filed under Weekly Words
Dear friends,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
“What therefore God has joined together, let man not separate!” (Matthew 19:6b)
The pastor who conducted our wedding sent Jennifer and I out into the world as a married couple with these words. You have probably heard the same proclamation made at other Christian weddings. In fact, I will use this verse at the wedding of some dear Christian friends this weekend. However, the sentence is subtly misunderstood. It is often thought to be addressing the wedding guests as if one or more of them would try to interfere and destroy the marriage. While that is perhaps something to be concerned about, it is not what Jesus was speaking of when he uttered this in the presence of his disciples. They are best understood as words for the married couple! Husband, God has joined you to your wife. Wife, God has joined you to your husband. Don’t tear your God ordained union apart!
And yet it happens all the time in this world. How can we be sure to avoid it? Watch out married brothers for cold indifference toward the thoughts and feelings of your wife. Watch out married sisters for continuous criticism of your husbands words and actions. Watch out married Christians, lest something or someone other than your spouse become your first priority after God. Hear the words of Jesus echoing throughout the centuries:
“They are no longer two, but one flesh” (Matthew 19:6a).
Therefore, selfless love will not only make your spouse happy, it will bring both partners into a joyful state of marital bliss!
May the Creator of marriage bless and protect those wonderful domestic unions which He brings about!
Your servant,
Stephen
Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder
