JMD Devotional 183 Malachi 2:14-17 Multiplicity of Guilt

And this you do with double guilt; you cover the altar of the Lord with tears [shed by your unoffending wives, divorced by you that you might take heathen wives], and with [your own] weeping and crying out because the Lord does not regard your offering any more or accept it with favor at your hand. Yet you ask, Why does He reject it? Because the Lord was witness [to the covenant made at your marriage] between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously and to whom you were faithless. Yet she is your companion and the wife of your covenant [made by your marriage vows]. And did not God make [you and your wife] one [flesh]? Did not One make you and preserve your spirit alive? And why [did God make you two] one? Because He sought a godly offspring [from your union]. Therefore take heed to yourselves, and let no one deal treacherously and be faithless to the wife of his youth. For the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I hate divorce and marital separation and him who covers his garment [his wife] with violence. Therefore keep a watch upon your spirit [that it may be controlled by My Spirit], that you deal not treacherously and faithlessly [with your marriage mate]. You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you say, In what way have we wearied Him? [You do it when by your actions] you say, Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord and He delights in them. Or [by asking], Where is the God of justice?

God is invited to most every wedding; but not to a divorce. The Lord was witness to the covenant of marriage. When a person breaks that covenant there is a multitude of violations that cascade from that breach. Many souls are affected and it creates much confusion. But why isn't God invited to a divorce? Is it because He would say the obvious things, like "work through your problems," "chasing your fantasies and love affairs won't end well", "have you considered the impact on my kingdom and your community?", "you can do better than this," and "are you divorcing Me, too?"

Dear God,
I praise You Heavenly Father, because You brought me back from the brink of utter folly and mended my marriage. I was so sure it was all her fault; I was blind to my own depravity and negative influence. Thank You for exposing my falsehood and corruption; thank You for counseling and recovery. I am astonished that You bless sinners so; but I am so thankful that it is in Your nature to do so when they repent and turn to You. Please continue to bless my wife and our marriage; may I hold her in my highest esteem, next to You. Our marriage is a trinity and You are its center and Head.
Amen

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