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What did Jesus say?
It's no secret that marriage can be a sticky subject. The principals relating to marriage are bound to evoke strong sentiments, especially for those who are married, because the principles are personal and prescriptive. They are personal because they are directly applicable to those who are married, and they are prescriptive because they require action. This can be a volatile combination in the hearts of those who aren't open and eager to receive instruction.
In other words, it's human nature to put up a wall when we sense marital instruction coming our way. "Who are you to tell me about my marriage? You have no idea what I've been through. I know my spouse a whole lot better than you ever will. What you're describing is so unrealistic and unreachable."
I'm sure you'll agree that it's all too easy to get into a defensive mode. That's why we need a source of instruction we can truly trust and not feel threatened by-a source we can never accuse of not understanding. And what better source could we possibly have than Jesus, who spoke very definitively on marriage as the Pharisees tested Him?
The ease with which we receive marital instruction (and even correction) is closely tied to our awareness that it's coming to us from Jesus. We trust Him for our forgiveness; we trust Him for our eternal life; we trust Him for our heavenly riches and rewards...why not trust Him when it comes to our marriage?
As we seek to understand marriage from God's vantage point, it's not a question of what some counselor or author says about it. The question is, What did Jesus say? And that's what we'll be looking at over the next several days as we examine what Jesus said to the Pharisees.
The principals relating to marriage are bound to evoke strong sentiments, especially for those who are married, because the principles are personal and prescriptive.
Think about it...
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
It's no secret that marriage can be a sticky subject. The principals relating to marriage are bound to evoke strong sentiments, especially for those who are married, because the principles are personal and prescriptive. They are personal because they are directly applicable to those who are married, and they are prescriptive because they require action. This can be a volatile combination in the hearts of those who aren't open and eager to receive instruction.
In other words, it's human nature to put up a wall when we sense marital instruction coming our way. "Who are you to tell me about my marriage? You have no idea what I've been through. I know my spouse a whole lot better than you ever will. What you're describing is so unrealistic and unreachable."
I'm sure you'll agree that it's all too easy to get into a defensive mode. That's why we need a source of instruction we can truly trust and not feel threatened by-a source we can never accuse of not understanding. And what better source could we possibly have than Jesus, who spoke very definitively on marriage as the Pharisees tested Him?
The ease with which we receive marital instruction (and even correction) is closely tied to our awareness that it's coming to us from Jesus. We trust Him for our forgiveness; we trust Him for our eternal life; we trust Him for our heavenly riches and rewards...why not trust Him when it comes to our marriage?
As we seek to understand marriage from God's vantage point, it's not a question of what some counselor or author says about it. The question is, What did Jesus say? And that's what we'll be looking at over the next several days as we examine what Jesus said to the Pharisees.
The principals relating to marriage are bound to evoke strong sentiments, especially for those who are married, because the principles are personal and prescriptive.
Think about it...
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
Scripture
About this Plan
Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, founded in 1985, has grown to be one of the largest churches in the country, and now has nine regional campuses in Florida in addition to the main campus in Fort Lauderdale. The church has established and now operates dozens of ministries to answer the needs for foster care, addiction recovery, and discipleship training. The church's mission is simply, "make disciples."
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We would like to thank Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale for providing this daily devotional. For more information about the church and other media resources it provides for personal discipleship, please visit www.calvaryftl.org
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