Daily Chapel

Date: 10-05-2021

Scripture Lesson:Mark 10:2–16

Preacher: Prof. Tom Kock

Description: Tuesday, October 5 Reading Mark 10:2–16 The Pharisees were itching for a fight with Jesus, and what better question to fight over than, “When is divorce OK?” That question was a source of endless debate among the rabbis of Jesus’s day. It remains a hot topic as sinners unfaithful to God look for excuses to be unfaithful to others, even their spouses. Where did Jesus turn for the answer? As the Word Incarnate, he could have given a new, deft, authoritative answer. But Jesus did not say anything new. He did not quote a rabbi; not even the Mosaic Law had the full answer. Jesus pointed to marriage as it was instituted by God in Paradise. Marriage was, and still is, God’s good gift. Two individuals, one man and one woman, are united as one. Jesus continued with the obvious application. “What God has joined together, let man not separate.” When is divorce OK? Jesus gave the general principle here without noting the exceptions Scripture explains elsewhere. Divorce – like death - was never God’s plan. Speaker Prof. Kock Hymns 760:1–3 – “Oh, Blest the House” 760:4–5 – “Oh, Blest the House” Prayer/Day Loving God and Father, the blessings of marriage and family come from your gracious pleasure and careful design. Lead all who value these gifts to follow your path of wisdom so that they may enjoy the fullness of your love; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Musician C. Wenzel