S - “‘Why
then,’ they asked, ‘did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of
divorce and send her away?’ Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your
wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the
beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual
immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.’ The disciples said to
him, ‘If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to
marry.’ Jesus replied, ‘Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to
whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there
are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others – and there are those who choose
to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can
accept this should accept it.’” Matthew 19:7-12 NIVUK
O - The
question is asked by those who were devoted to the Hebrew Scriptures. They
studied, memorized and taught them. Jesus' answer concludes rather curiously on
a couple of counts as he's being tested by the Pharisees. First, his answer cut
against their understanding and practice. Since, from their perspective, Moses
obviously permitted, validated and affirmed the practice of divorce, the answer
to their question should have been a simple yes. Such a reply would not only
give the 'right answer' but affirm the 'right view' of scripture. After
upholding scripture Jesus refutes their conclusion … so much so that his own
disciples are shocked. Then secondly, instead of demanding universal acceptance
and compliance of his authoritative reply Jesus tells his followers "The
one who can accept this should accept it." Isn't that a weak and dangerously permissive approach? No. Jesus
is never satisfied with someone who can give a correct answer. He is calling
all to follow him and to refuse a focus on someone else's shortcomings and
failures. He wants his followers less concerned about authoritative
pronouncements and more concerned about authentic living.
A -
Religion (culture) wants the focus on authoritative pronouncements while Jesus
wants to enable all people to authentic and abundant living. Religion will
argue the point where Jesus will embody it. Religion will accuse others of
compromising the truth of scripture while Jesus will invite all people (the
strictly religious included) to accept the purpose and point of the scriptures.
The purpose of the scripture is not about pronouncements or plans but about
being a witness to a person who is life itself (John 5:39-40). The point of scripture is me getting the beam
out of my own eye rather than yelling about the sawdust in another's (Matthew
7:1-5). In the words of Jesus, I can and will accept this!
P -
Great King and True Friend of all,
Thank you for calling me and
the entire world to yourself and not to a cause. Thank you for loving us first
and most and for refusing to change your mind. I accept the purpose and the
point of the scriptures. I admit my huge need of help in this and every regard;
to love you back with my all, to love my neighbor as myself and to get and keep
the beam out of my own eye. I accept you who are life and the 2x4ology you
require.
All in according to love,
Steve
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