Revelation of the Word:

THEME: HARDNESS OF HEART

Matthew 19:8-9

“He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”

INSIGHT

–Divorce has become a prevalent influence since time immemorial. With the growing cases internationally, families suffer its dire consequences. Both the young and the old in marriages throw in the towel due to a concoction of reasons. The main scripture reveals that divorce takes place when either or both the spouses harden their hearts. As much as it is permissible where incidences of adultery are involved, it is important to embrace forgiveness and forgive seventy times seven times. It is also key to guard our hearts with all diligence for out of it flows issues of life (Proverbs‬ ‭4:23‬).

SUMMARY

Jeremiah‬ ‭17:9-10‬ ‭reminds us that, the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, only the Lord searches the heart and tests the mind,  to give every man according to his ways, according  to the fruit of his doings. Hardening of ones heart may occur supernaturally. The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart during the plague and he did not let the Israelites go (Exodus 7:13). Also, hardening of the heart may be an act of the will. Some Jews especially in Jerusalem interacted with Jesus but they did not believe in Him. They shut their eyes and ears to the truth and did not repent. Consequently, they did not receive forgiveness. Likewise, during the days of Moses the Israelites saw and interacted with God’s supernatural acts of deliverance but hardened their hearts and worshipped a golden calf. They did not put their trust in God even after experiencing deliverance by the occurrence of the ten plagues, and splitting the Red Sea. Because of their unbelief, an entire generation perished in the wilderness and did not enter the promised land; apart from Joshua and Caleb who believed in God. Also, hardening of heart causes one to store up wrath for themselves in the day of judgement (Romans 2:5). In the same wavelength, hardening of heart may lead to insensitivity to the poor and needy in the society which again leads to condemnation (Matthew 25:31-43, Deuteronomy 15:7-8). Last but not least, hardening of heart may precipitate divorce which the Lord hates (Malachi 2:16). Therefore, we are called to submit our hearts with the humility of little children to God so that we He may create in us a new heart and spirit. We should also be willing to keep His word and obey His divine will. We are also reminded to repent and change our minds, so that we may be healed. We must also believe in Jesus Christ, and have a proper relationship with Him so that the Holy Spirit may dwell in us.

PRAYER

Our Father and our God we come to You with humility in our hearts. We humbly ask that You forgive us all our trespasses and wash us with Your precious blood. Make us a new creation in You Holy Spirit that we may draw near to You not only with our mouths but also with our hearts. May You protect us from the snares of the enemy and every form of evil. We humbly beseech You Christ to remove every accusation against us, our families and nation our Righteous Judge. May You shield us from divorce and every form of marital problem that we might be faced with. May You grant the gift of marriage to all those who desire it merciful Father. You are faithful Father to keep Your promises, and none will lack a mate. Thank You dear Jesus for loving us with Your everlasting love. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine towards you and be gracious to You. May He shine His countenance towards You and give You peace. Amen

Blessed Weekend

Further reading: Isaiah 34:16, Matthew 13:1-23

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