We’ve dealt with some heavy issues in our study of Malachi 2 by looking at things we should avoid. In our last visit we focused on breaking faith with the wife of our youth. I won’t get into Biblical grounds for God allowing divorce in certain cases, but I don’t believe God ever encourages divorce.
He does allow it. But as Malachi wrote in 2:16, “‘I hate divorce,’ says the Lord God of Israel.” Why? Because of the devastating effect it has on so many, leaving scars for life. It opens options for further compromises that otherwise would not be considered. And when leaders get divorced, it lowers the standard in the minds of onlookers, especially the young.
The sad commentary that substantiates what the prophet declared is what we see in our own culture. There’ve been far too many religious leaders who have taken the step of divorce. It’s hard for them or other leaders to challenge the church at large to avoid divorce when leaders have broken their marriage covenant.
The watching world looks on and wonders what is so different in the lives of those who profess faith in Jesus Christ. Statistics on divorce within the church are essentially as bad as in the world. Shame on us. We need to repent, and challenge our young adults to take their marriage vows seriously so they will guard their spirit and not break faith (verse 16).
