A memorable memento!

To the Pharisees’ question about divorce, Jesus answered, “Haven’t you read the scripture that says that in the beginning the Creator made people male and female? And God said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, and the two will become one.’ So they are no longer two, but one. Man must not separate, then, what God has joined together. ” Matthew 19: 4 - 6

Good morning, friends.

A Jewish couple did not have children even ten years after their marriage. The husband wanted to divorce his wife and marry another woman to continue his race and perpetuate his name. The wife loved him most dearly and did not like to part from him. The matter was brought before the Rabbi, who was very wise. The Rabbi told him, “As per your request, I can solemnize your divorce, but you must arrange a grand party for your guests on the day before the parting ceremony. It must be better than the party on your wedding day.” He readily agreed to conduct a party.

The party was in progress. As directed by the Rabbi, the wife poured wine into the husband’s cup again and again till he was heavily intoxicated. Then she asked him, “Darling, what shall I take from your house as a memento to my house to remember the delightful days we lived together?” He was lavish in his offer. “You may take from my home your dearest article - whatever you love most,” he offered. Very soon he fell down on his bed, in deep sleep.

The next day, he woke up and finding that he was in his wife’s house, he asked in anger, “What have you done? How did I reach here?” His loving wife was patiently waiting by the side of the cot. She answered, “I have only obeyed your words, said in public yesterday, during the party. I have carried to my home what I loved most dearly - that is, yourself!”

Her words opened his eyes. He was sorry that he could not appreciate her lasting love towards him. He embraced her most affectionately and gave up the idea of divorce. They lived together very happily. God blessed them and she conceived and gave birth to a smart and saintly son. Their joy was beyond measure.

Man was created in the image of God. The first family was created by God in the image of heaven. It is God’s wish that every family should remain as a heaven of happiness. Marital love is a great gift of God. It should be active, constant, continuous and equally strong during all seasons of the year- lasting till the last moment of life.

I know many people who are neglected by their spouses. Now-a-days, satan breaks up the bond between the couple and bring destruction to their relationship. Please spend a few minutes in prayer for those people who are at the point of divorce. Last day in my fellowship one guy shared his own experience. When he asked the Lord how he should pray for others, the Lord revealed that he should pray just like he prayed for his brother who was struggling for his life inside the operation theatre a few years back. Such a burden has to be inside us when we pray for others. Come on, let us not be idle anymore when we see something/someone that separates what God has united.