1/4 Genesis 2:24

²⁴ Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Jesus quoted this verse when someone asked him about divorce (Matthew 19:5). It tells us that marriage is the union of one man with one woman. By using the words hold fast it also informs us that the man is to guard this union. In Jesus' day there were numerous opinions about what conditions permitted divorce. Some were very restrictive and others allowed almost any reason. Jesus weighed in on the discussion by quoting Scripture. That should be the way we answer questions as well. God's answer is the only valid answer.

The prophet Malachi wrote that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). It is the inevitable outcome of two people who have not found their satisfaction in God. They will seek to be satisfied with their spouse and find he or she cannot fill the void in their heart. The only way to avoid divorce is to be fully satisfied with God. The man must leave his parents, have his own home, and hang on to his wife, but even more importantly he must love the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. That is the only way a marriage can survive and honor God.

Prayer: Lord of all creation, help me to find my satisfaction in You. Help me to love you with my all. Help me not to demand too much from others, recognizing that they are as fallen and as weak as I am. May my life glorify You in all my relationships.