Esther 9 - Divorce

In Esther 1:19 we learn that the king had a decree written that Vashti is never again to enter into the presence of King Xerxes. In other words he divorced her. The Bible has much to say to Christians about divorce. In Malachi 2:16 God tells us he hates divorce.

Jesus teaches about divorce in Matt. 19 in response to a question from the Pharisees. He reminds us in verse 5 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” Later in that passage He says “anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

Paul also teaches about divorce in I Cor. 7. In verse 10 he says “A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.”

These passages tell us that marriage is a lifetime commitment and therefore a very important decision. I’m convinced that God has chosen a mate for each one of us and in His time He will lead us to that person. I think God’s hand was very evident in bringing our children and their spouses together as well as Betty and myself. When God leads the Christian to that person you have His peace in knowing that he/she is God’s choice of a mate for you. Until you have that peace, you must resist the temptation to enter into the relationship of marriage with anyone.

Since God is the one that places us together and He does not make mistakes, there is no reason for divorce. When couples get into severe disagreement and begin to contemplate divorce it is because their relationship with Jesus Christ is not what it should be. Once each of their relationships with Jesus is where it should be the difficulties between them begin to fade. When you get married it is important to study the Bible together and to pray together. This practice should be a high priority in your life. When you have disagreements don’t keep them from each other, but talk about them and pray about them until you can find resolution.

Next to your decision to trust Jesus as your personal Savior, your choice of a mate is the most important decision you will make.