THOUGHTS FROM MATTHEW

June 15

Text: Matthew 19:10-12

The disciples *said to Him, "If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry." But He said to them, "Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given.  For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.   He who is able to accept this, let him accept it." (NASB)

Pursuing God’s intents is a huge challenge!  It is much too big to be confined to sets of dos and don’ts.  It is a love pursuit!  There are times when God’s concepts and desires are so enormous that they defy our imagination.  Often we follow Him because of our love instead of our understanding.

This love pursuit occurs because we are convinced He genuinely seeks our best interests always.  We are so conditioned by evil that sometimes evil appears to be impeccable good and infinitely desirable.  Often our reaction is, “That is not good for us?  You have got to be kidding!”

The 12 listened to the Pharisees and Jesus.  The Pharisees’ position they understood; Jesus’ position they did not.  Their conclusion: “Jesus, your position on God’s intent in marriage means men should not marry.  Marriage without divorce is unthinkable!”

Verse 10 indicated two things.  First, divorce was a common happening.  Second, it was unthinkable that marriage could exist without a divorce option.

In Jewish society then, a man remaining single was not an acceptable option.  Men were to marry, have children, and guarantee the continuation of the nation.  Jesus said some by birth never marry; some were castrated (men servants in a king’s harem);  and some deliberately abandoned marriage for God’s kingdom’s sake (see 1 Corinthians 9:1-5).

He made a fascinating statement.  He said that not all men could accept the statement . . .   What statement?  The statement about divorce or about eunuchs?

“The statement” was not about salvation but about dedication.  Commitment to escape sin in Christ and commitment to pursue God’s original intent are not the same commitment.  Spiritual maturity powerfully affects the level of commitment one makes.  Maturity changes spiritual commitment.

Suggestion for reflection: How does spiritual maturity affect spiritual commitment?  (Read Isaiah 6:1-8.)

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