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The two gospels (Luke and Mark) explain that divorce and remarriage is adultery without exception; Matthew has what is known as an "escape clause" for fornication; which is worded differently in the very next passage both times ( Matthew 5 and 19) where those who MARRY someone who is divorced is committing adultery (even if marrying the "innocent spouse").
I see the exception of fornication as talking of breaking an engagement BEFORE CONSUMMATION in marriage since its use earlier in the passage talking about Joseph thinking of divorcing Mary during the espousal period.
There are some complexities with other scriptures; although in Romans and Corinthians it seems pretty clear that ONLY if a spouse dies is a woman innocent to remarry and of course a man in reverse situation as well. Even if we think the exception clause means adultery; those who KNOW they have remarried for any other reason and hence did wrong have to get out of it like any other sin. That is against what is "politically correct" in many circles but with any other sin we know we commit we must stop doing it not just say we made a mistake and expect God to honor it. I can't see that abandonment or abuse allows for remarriage; or even divorce other than for the other committing adultery. Corinthians says to remain separate or resolve differences. We certainly are not free to trade in for a younger model; or any other excuse for divorce. Yes abuse means a separation perhaps a permanent one is NECESSARY. We are to be at peace whenever possible; and there are kids to consider.
The best thing I can ask; being through a divorce myself (because of adultery) is to look with discerning eyes on those who are remarried to see where they are spiritually. And look to yourself as well. I could have involved myself in a relationship; the Lord stopped me. Any vow or covenant made between God and men must be kept as God keeps His end when we vow till death do us part He holds us accountable.
I believe most of the answers on this subject are found in 1 Corinthians chapter 7, Tiffany. Here, the Apostle Paul writes about problems within a marriage, which should hopefully be dealt with by a temporal separation & then a coming together (v5); or in divorce, that they remain unmarried, or else come back together (vv 10,11); or in a marriage where one is a believer & the other, not. Divorce can take place if one is unhappy to live with the other - but the idea of remaining single thereafter is implied (vv 12-16).
And this is based on Matthew 19:5,6: "For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
Any marriage, whether amongst believers or not, brings about an indissoluble union, as the two become one. If a divorce has to take place, then they have to remain separated. If they remarry, then they would remain accountable to God for their decisions. It seems the only times that a lawful remarriage can take place are when one spouse dies ( 1 Corinthians 7:39), or because of fornication committed ( Matthew 5:31,32). However, this 'fornication' seems to be based on Deuteronomy 24:1, where "uncleanness is found in her", i.e. it is supposed that the man has found that his wife was not pure, whether occurring in her single state or in the betrothal period, or even after marriage. Some have raised arguments about this understanding; and some take this infidelity by the woman to happen only within the marriage, so giving grounds for divorce. Unfortunately, there's no indication what happens when the husband has been unfaithful. In any case, the general understanding is that divorce is a severing of a holy union, and if it must happen, then remaining unmarried thereafter ensures that no sin is committed.
It shows me the provision and protection of God for his people. If God be for us who can be against us. God is protecting us even when we can't see any danger. Praise be to God.
This verse shows how wicked Haman really was. He didn't want to just kill Mordecai, but he wanted to kill all of the Jews. He abused his new found power, but God was watching and made sure that the evil he planend came back upon his own head.
What goes up, must come down. Stay low and you won't fall. Stay in prayer, humble, and meek. Only glory in the Lord and the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. True christians are in the same situation today; but we MUST NOT compromise or conform. You are not truly living if you are not willing to die for your faith in Christ. There is a remnant... Be blessed.
I think that Esther was chosen and set aside by God to do a work just like he still does today if we allow him to use us. We are not always willing to do the work that God has planned for us. It seems that we know Gods timing better than he does and are not willing to wait for God to give us the go ahead.
Esther represents the purity of the Jewish believer in the eyes of the world therefore she is envied She continues the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham and this parallels Genesis 50 20 and the story of Joseph It is the work of God to take a curse and turn it into a blessing Galatians 3 13 II Cor 5 21 It is absurd to wish ill on the world however when Jesus said Love your enemies bless those who curse you do good to those who hate you and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you Matt 5 44 Christians are changing the curse into a blessing by obedience not wrath Love
Haman must be langushing in hell as we talk. How could he be such a fool? Did he think he could terminate God's promises to Abraham just like that? I pray in the Name of Jesus Christ that any "Haman" in the lives of the true christians will die NOW in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ.
Amazing indeed, how people grovel at the feet of mortal human beings! In my short lifetime, I have seen people (rich and poor, educated and otherwise, nobles, aristocrats, politicians, leaders etc) bow down to, kiss the feet/hands, ... mere creatures walking the top side of this earth. Why in the world they do this is a mystery to me in this day and age of enlightenment, historical record, etc.
May the Lord help me to remain steadfast and only bend my knees to the King of kings, Lord of lords, the Son of the Most High, no matter what happens - be it threat/hunger/want of anything.
In the book of Esther, I see the Divine arrangement of God for His people. The King, his counselors, queen Vashti, Mordecai, Esther and everyone never knew what Satan was planning. But known unto God are all His works. He pre arranged everything and positioned everyone according to his eternal plans and purposes, to give the world a Saviour so that anyone who believes and calls for mercy would be saved. In all that we pass through in this life, supposing God is arranging and positioning things and people and situations to work out His eternal plans and purposes for you. May He open your eyes to see His hand in everything around you in Jesus’ name. Amen. To you who do not believe in God, if at the end of life you meet Him, what would you say? You would have everything to lose then and it would be too late. But to you who believe, you would have everything to gain, so continue to live rightly as Esther did.
@Solon,
God was in charge just as He was when Joseph was sold to the Egyptians. God set Joseph up to save the Jews and likewise He set up Esther to save Jews! This book is about God and His providence in the nation of Israel! So please, Stop teaching hate and start preaching truth! This is not a political book about prostituting Esther, but a book about God’s care and providence over His people!
Walter, in this tale you will notice that the only falsity in evidence was on the part of Mordecai and Esther. Mordecai concealed his true identity and required that Esther do likewise; Mordecai acted as a spy and by means of subterfuge; Mordecai urged Esther to -- let's call it what it is: prostitute herself. Vashti, the Persian queen, had the character to turn away from position and wealth to protect her virtue, but Esther prostituted herself to gain power and riches.
Furthermore, the Persians had liberated Jews and Persian 'taxpayers' were called upon to offer up their treasure to sustain Jews as they rebuilt Jerusalem. Where was Mordecai and Esther's gratitude for this major and ongoing generosity?
That gives rise to another question: Why were Esther and Mordecai in Persia and not in Jerusalem? Aren't we told that the entire quest of Jewish people is for the "land of zion," to return to Jerusalem? Why was Esther in Persia?
Finally, you'll notice that god is not mentioned in the entire book of Esther. The book is not a spiritual tract, it is political.
Inasmuch as Benj. Netanyahu closed an important speech with emphasis on Esther, and that Jewish people who celebrate no other element of Jewish religion or culture nevertheless celebrate Purim, the feast of the slaughter of 75,000 Persians, it becomes important for Christians everywhere to completely rethink the intentions of Jewish people in other lands.
As faithfull mordacai shows us dont bow down to the enemy of all people doe he will exalt him self ii thes 2, Isa 14, isa 28, ezek 31. and as Daniel,mashek and abendigo did not bow so likewise we shall not bow to the false one.
Walking through the streets of Harare, one would see downcast faces, people at wits end not knowing whether they are coming or going, this is a city and nation that is perplexed. For over 10 years the people of Zimbabwe have been in a crisis, every day they are hopeful that something comes up and days have turned to years. I believe there is a lesson to be learnt in the book of Esther, I believe the Israelite when first taken into capativity in Babylon thought that surely God would come through for them in an instant, but days turned to months and into years. When the saw Esther made queen they thought no harm was going to come to them thereafter but there were in for a rude awakening. The enemy turned up the heat and all of sudden they could not help it but were just perplexed. I believe that the Zim situation is a lesson for not only Zimbabweans but for the world over, that God takes care of His own, He loves and protects, feeds and clothes, He takes care of every need, though everything around seems to be saying otherwise, His hand has been seen in ways that one could have never imagined. As a people we need to understand the times and seasons of God, that when it is necessary sometimes He brings relief, sometimes he brings total deliverance and restoration. He has a plan and His purposes shall be fulfilled. I have heard a personal struggle living in South Africa where I felt I was better of in Zimbabwe, and came to the understanding that I have always concluded that my life should follow a certain direction without really following where the spirit was leading. Its been tough, but i have learnt to be grounded, to press on, go on higher ground and not stop, i don't have candy coated testimony to share with you but what I know is that I have become a better person than i was before and I have a greater desire to serve Him even more. I thank you all who have given their hand to help Zimbabweans and believe that Zimbabwe shall be restored a hundredfold, in Jesus name. Amen. "watch and pray"
I see the exception of fornication as talking of breaking an engagement BEFORE CONSUMMATION in marriage since its use earlier in the passage talking about Joseph thinking of divorcing Mary during the espousal period.
There are some complexities with other scriptures; although in Romans and Corinthians it seems pretty clear that ONLY if a spouse dies is a woman innocent to remarry and of course a man in reverse situation as well. Even if we think the exception clause means adultery; those who KNOW they have remarried for any other reason and hence did wrong have to get out of it like any other sin. That is against what is "politically correct" in many circles but with any other sin we know we commit we must stop doing it not just say we made a mistake and expect God to honor it. I can't see that abandonment or abuse allows for remarriage; or even divorce other than for the other committing adultery. Corinthians says to remain separate or resolve differences. We certainly are not free to trade in for a younger model; or any other excuse for divorce. Yes abuse means a separation perhaps a permanent one is NECESSARY. We are to be at peace whenever possible; and there are kids to consider.
The best thing I can ask; being through a divorce myself (because of adultery) is to look with discerning eyes on those who are remarried to see where they are spiritually. And look to yourself as well. I could have involved myself in a relationship; the Lord stopped me. Any vow or covenant made between God and men must be kept as God keeps His end when we vow till death do us part He holds us accountable.
Agape.
And this is based on Matthew 19:5,6: "For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
Any marriage, whether amongst believers or not, brings about an indissoluble union, as the two become one. If a divorce has to take place, then they have to remain separated. If they remarry, then they would remain accountable to God for their decisions. It seems the only times that a lawful remarriage can take place are when one spouse dies ( 1 Corinthians 7:39), or because of fornication committed ( Matthew 5:31,32). However, this 'fornication' seems to be based on Deuteronomy 24:1, where "uncleanness is found in her", i.e. it is supposed that the man has found that his wife was not pure, whether occurring in her single state or in the betrothal period, or even after marriage. Some have raised arguments about this understanding; and some take this infidelity by the woman to happen only within the marriage, so giving grounds for divorce. Unfortunately, there's no indication what happens when the husband has been unfaithful. In any case, the general understanding is that divorce is a severing of a holy union, and if it must happen, then remaining unmarried thereafter ensures that no sin is committed.
What goes up, must come down. Stay low and you won't fall. Stay in prayer, humble, and meek. Only glory in the Lord and the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. True christians are in the same situation today; but we MUST NOT compromise or conform. You are not truly living if you are not willing to die for your faith in Christ. There is a remnant... Be blessed.
May the Lord help me to remain steadfast and only bend my knees to the King of kings, Lord of lords, the Son of the Most High, no matter what happens - be it threat/hunger/want of anything.
God was in charge just as He was when Joseph was sold to the Egyptians. God set Joseph up to save the Jews and likewise He set up Esther to save Jews! This book is about God and His providence in the nation of Israel! So please, Stop teaching hate and start preaching truth! This is not a political book about prostituting Esther, but a book about God’s care and providence over His people!
Furthermore, the Persians had liberated Jews and Persian 'taxpayers' were called upon to offer up their treasure to sustain Jews as they rebuilt Jerusalem. Where was Mordecai and Esther's gratitude for this major and ongoing generosity?
That gives rise to another question: Why were Esther and Mordecai in Persia and not in Jerusalem? Aren't we told that the entire quest of Jewish people is for the "land of zion," to return to Jerusalem? Why was Esther in Persia?
Finally, you'll notice that god is not mentioned in the entire book of Esther. The book is not a spiritual tract, it is political.
Inasmuch as Benj. Netanyahu closed an important speech with emphasis on Esther, and that Jewish people who celebrate no other element of Jewish religion or culture nevertheless celebrate Purim, the feast of the slaughter of 75,000 Persians, it becomes important for Christians everywhere to completely rethink the intentions of Jewish people in other lands.
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