The Lord is faithful
Month: May 2024
Marriage Mirage
Marriage Mirage
On a podcast lately, I was taken by the description of modern marriage as a mirage. In other words, the speaker was saying that while modern ideas of marriage look like God’s institution of marriage, it is a fake, an optical illusion.
In Genesis 2:24, we read “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
In God’s design for marriage we note that
- it is for a man and a woman
- it is for two people
- they become one flesh, that is marriage is a life long union.
In our modern individualistic world, marriage has morphed into something very different. This transformation started in the 1960’s with the contraceptive pill separating sex from commitment. In the 1970’s we had the imposition of “no fault” divorce. In the 1990’s we had an explosion of cohabiting couples, de facto relationship being given the same legal status as marriage and so on. Then along came same sex “marriage” and the destruction of marriage was all but complete.
It is only a matter of time before pressure starts to pile on for recognition of so-called polyamorous marriage. After all if any two people can get married, why should it be limited to just two people?
God’s plan for marriage is simple. A man and woman pledge themselves in a holy covenant to be with each other for the rest of their lives. It is simple, but not easy!
Marriage, it seems, can bring out the worst in people. That is a feature, not a bug. When we see what s really in our hearts we can repent and change.
Marriage brings true security for a husband and wife. They can build a partnership in the knowledge that they are both committed to the relationship. They can raise children knowing that the family will stick together and provide a good environment to raise a new generation.
In the west, we are reaping a tragic harvest.
- Children not knowing their fathers
- Fathers being separated from kids they love
- Women having multiple children from multiple men
- A rapidly declining birth rate
- Children being abused by mum’s boyfriend
- And much much more
What is called marriage in our society truly is a mirage of what God intended.
Real marriage can be hard work, but the rewards are worth it.
Jesus Christ Our SAviour
Today’s Bike Ride
Nice ride out to Culgoora Road this morning. #cycling #narrabri #Biketooter
Quote for the Day
We must come out from Babylon and live in new Jerusalem by witnessing to the truth of the Lamb. Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett
He never changes
Reflection on Isaiah 58
Scripture
The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well watered garden like an ever flowing spring.
Observation
The people of Israel are sinners, despite their pious actions. They go to the temple every day. They pray and ask God to intervene on their behalf. they fast, expecting God to be impressed.
The kind of fasting the Lord requires is to free the wrongly imprisoned and let the oppressed go free. They are to look after the homeless and care for relatives in need.
When they do that, salvation will come like the dawn. When they call, the Lord will answer. If they feed the hungry they will shine like light in the darkness. Then the Lord will guide them continually and make them like a well watered garden.
Application
The Lord is not interested in our deeds of piety – prayers, praise, fasting and so on. These things are important, but they do not impress God.
The Lord is impressed when we allow our salvation to flow out to others in good deeds and when we set free the oppressed.
We are saved by faith in Christ. That then transforms our hearts and minds so that we live for Him and for other people. When we do that, the little light that is my relationship with God is magnified and shows forth in my community in actions that bring freedom and life.
Then we start to bloom like a well-watered garden. We help others to flourish, and by doing that, God’s grace multiplies in us.
As a a new Christian and a new member of Parliament, William Wilberforce asked God, “What can I do for you?” He dedicated his career to ending slavery and brought liberty to millions of people around the world. He became a well-watered garden that benefited countless people.
Prayer
Lord show me how to glorify your name today. Amen.
Turn to God
Today’s Bike Ride
Nice ride along Yarrie Lake Rd this morning. #cycling #narrabri #Biketooter
Quote for the Day
The Word of God is the weapon of choice for those walking in the way of the Lamb. The way of the Lamb is the way of peace, through peacemaking and reconciliation. It means dropping the sword and beating that sword into a garden tool. Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett
New Life Narrabri 