keeping your word

The next section of Jesus' sermon deals with keeping one's word.

Jesus begins with the illustration of divorcing one's wife (Unfortunately, this first part is not recorded). While this passage is usually considered separately from the next part, it is clear that the essence of marriage is a public covenant between a man and a woman. In our society, the only official requirements for the pastor is that 1) he asks if there is reason why this covenant is not possible, 2) Do the couple commit to each other ( I do's) and 3) the pronouncement of them as husband and wife. the rest of the ceremony is beautiful extras.

The essence of marriage is covenant - what God has joined together, let no man put assunder. divorce is the breaking of this vow on the part of the one seeking the divorce. Did you vow publicly before God, or did you not? Jesus then brings it a different way. Keep your vows to God. In fact, if you have to vow, then your word is questionable, and your light is shining poorly.

Of course, if we have to be perfect, then everyone else also needs to be perfect. Them first. They started it. We are not commanded to make sure that others keep their word, only that we keep ours, but that seems so wrong, so we invert what God requires of us.

Who's kingdom are we building? We need to be sure that we are people of our word, no matter what others do around us.

God bless,

Pastor Wayne