Category Archives: Biblical Reflection

May 7, 2008 · 5:04 am

Divorce & Remarriage III: God as divorcee


In chapter 3 of David Instone-Brewer’s, Divorce and Remarriage in the church (IVP), we find that adultery in the OT results in either literal death or death of the marriage. But do other things also end marriage (abuse, neglect, cruelty)?  Why, I-B asks, “wouldn’t God allow divorce in these situations?”

The author argues that God DOES have other grounds for divorce:

Consider Ex 21:10-11. This text suggests to the author that God makes provision for a woman to be free from the marriage if her husband marries a second wife and fails to provide food, clothes and sex for the first. Instone-Brewer makes the important point that this is considered “case law” and not a statute. 

“Case law is a collection of decisions made by judges in actual cases that established a new legal principle. These rulings can be applied to other cases that share something in common with the case that established the principle….[this passage] is case law, so we ignore the details about slavery and polygamy and look for the principles that apply to all marriages that involve neglect. The rabbis found the following principles in this text, and I think they were right. They reasoned that if a slave wife had the right to divorce a husband who neglected to supply food, clothing and conjugal love, then a free wife would certainly also have this right. And they argued that if one of two wives had this right, so did an only wife.” (p. 36) 

So, I-B argues that there are 4 total grounds for divorce in the OT: neglecting food, clothing, sex, AND adultery. He reports that these 4 obligations are found in Jewish vows. He does admit that in the rabbinical literature, men could not be divorced for adultery since they could choose to have a second wife. And her reminds the reader that Jesus ends this “loophole”  by teaching monogamy.

I-B uses this text to remind the reader that only the victim could choose to enact the divorce. And the OT is replete with evidence that God marries Israel and Judah and both break the marriage vows or covenant/contract. God, the victim of this spiritual adultery, chooses to divorce Israel and separate from Judah (later to be reconciled) (Jer 3:8).

Israel did not know anything about God’s wonderful future plans while she was heading for divorce, and she stubbornly continued to break her marriage vows. All the prophets portray God acting in a forgiving and patient manner–he didn’t divorce her immediately and gave her many changes to repent. But Israel, his wife, continued to sin, refusing to honor her vows, and God reluctantly had to divorce her. The marriage was broken and dead, and God merely carried out the legal formalities of divorce that recognized that fact. (p. 41)

Why does God hate divorce? I-B says it is because he has personal experience of the pain of it.

God does not criticize the legal process of divorce or the person who carries it out; otherwise he would criticize himself, because he had to divorce Israel. God hates the breaking of marriage vows that results in divorce. He says that breaking these vows is being “faithless,” because it breaks the marriage covenant or contract. (p. 42)

So I-B concludes by recognizing the OT view of marriage as a contract (agreeing to be faithful and to provide food, clothes, and love) that can be dissolved (not required to dissolve) by the victim if the contract is broken. He will look next to Jesus’ words in the NT

MY THOUGHTS? The OT is very concerned about abandonment of vulnerable and weak individuals (e.g., widows, orphans, aliens). And so the divorce statements in the OT is to men who have the power to abandon. Women did not. But, I-B seems to make a strong case for these issues to brought forward to today. Where it gets messy is who interprets abandonment? Sinners! Sinners who can shape interpretations to their own benefit. I wanted more sex, more clothes, more of you and less of your work. Are these also all grounds for divorce? While I like I-B’s work with the Ezek. passage it seems like it raises many more questions.  

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April 23, 2008 · 5:31 am

Divorce & Remarriage I: Confusion!


What is the right biblical and pastoral answer for those with real questions concerning divorce and remarriage? David Instone-Brewer in Divorce and Remarriage in the Church (IVP, 2003/6) suggests that much of our current advice and interpretation of Scripture on these matters are not clear nor sensible (hence the need for his book 🙂 )

The trouble with most theologies of divorce is that they aren’t sensible. They may give a reasonable account of most of the texts, in a forced way, but their conclusions just aren’t practical… (p. 13)

Instone-Brewer says most interpretations today fall into 2 camps: (a) there are 2 valid reasons for divorce; remarriage is not allowed unless one person dies, and (b) no grounds for divorce or separation.

The first interpretation isn’t logical says the author. “Why would Jesus and Paul identify these two grounds for divorce but not allow divorce for physical abuse or other harmful situations?” (p. 14) The second option is more logical but no more practical.

Adding to the confusion are those who just decide the bible isn’t practical and so try to extend the texts on divorce to cover adultery, abuse, abandonment, etc. While these are more sensible, their textual support is “dubious.”

Instone-Brewer came to see the texts in new light after studying the text AND first century Judaism and so the remainder of the book will be his conclusions in 4 sections
1. God is a divorcee (OT material). ch 2-4
2. Jesus’ and Paul’s teaching on divorce and remarriage (ch 5-7)
3. How this teaching should work and a look at marriage vows (ch 8-10)
4. Church policy on divorce and what it should do now (ch 11-15)

But the author can’t bear to stop the chapter now so he launches into what he didn’t find in the Bible: the words, “Those whom God has joined, no man can separate.” What Jesus DID say is, “let no one separate.” Why the distinction here? Is Jesus saying it is not possible to separate? If God has joined, then no one can unjoin? Instone-Brewer says no. What it means is that no one SHOULD separate.

Second, who are these words to? The one who causes it? The one who starts the proceedings? You get the inkling that Instone-Brewer believes it is the one who causes vows to be broken. Why? Well, God divorces us but he is the victim.

…his warning is not to the person who finally tidies up the legal mess after the marriage has broken down but to those who would violate their marriage vows and, in so doing, cause the marriage to break up. (p. 18)

Of course people do break their vows all the time and so if they are repentant, I-B says we should forgive them. But if vows are repeatedly broken, then the marriage is, “in shreds.” (p. 19).

Again, I-B can’t wait to reveal his hand later and so concludes (a) the bible only allows victims to initiate divorce and Jesus’ problem with his hearers was that they had abandoned this idea for groundless divorce, and (b) the OT also allows divorce for abuse and neglect.

Well, what do you think? Should biblical intepretations be sensible (to us) and practical? I confess that I have never used sensible when considering whether my interpretation is good–at least knowingly. Seems much doesn’t make sense to me. But, it is an interesting way of thinking about these passages. If they are meant for us to use, they they should be practical, no?

I think he’s shortchanged us by limiting the typical camps on this topic. There are many who believe that there are a limited number of legitimate reasons and in those reasons, remarriage is possible.

For those really wanting to get into the topic, I would recommend two other writers: Jay Adams book on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Also, check out John Piper’s lengthy document. He takes a very conservative (no remarriage) position–even more conservative than the official position of his elders.

Let’s see where I-B goes as he engages the OT next.   

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April 22, 2008 · 2:31 pm

Mind the gap


When exiting the train in England, you might hear the conductor telling you to “mind the gap” between the train and the platform. Consider another gap…

One of our pastors preached on Sunday from Hebrews 6:13-20. In this passage the writer of Hebrews reminds us of God’s promises and that they are sure because God does not lie and that he swears an oath on himself that his promises will be fulfilled (are being fulfilled in Christ).

And yet, our pastor remarked that there is a gap between our present feelings and the objective reality of God’s finished work. We live in that gap until heaven or Christ’s return. Our hope while we live in the gap is anchored in Jesus.

How do you deal with the gap? Seems much of counseling work is figuring out how to live and function in the gap, what to place our hope in, working to remember what is true, and living well with others who also struggle with their “gap.”

What have you found helpful as you “mind the gap?” 

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April 15, 2008 · 5:26 am

How do you benefit from evil?


I got to thinking again about how much we benefit from evil during a recent NPR story on the controversy surrounding the Olympic torch relay. The reporter mentioned that this tradition of having the torch criss cross the globe on the way to the games started with Nazi self-promotion. Check out this quote on wikipedia (and we all know that a wiki is always true, right? :))

The relay, captured in Leni Riefenstahl’s film Olympia, was part of the Nazi propaganda machine’s attempt to add myth and mystique to Adolf Hitler’s regime. Hitler saw the link with the ancient Games as the perfect way to illustrate his belief that classical Greece was an Aryan forerunner of the modern German Reich.[

So, you’re probably wondering how you benefit from a torch race. You don’t. But, my point is this, good things sometimes have their roots in evil intent.

Can you think of some ways you personally benefit from evil? How about your Hi-def TV or DVD player? Your high speed Internet? Most of our technological advances in electronic media have been in some part devised in an effort to advance pornographic imagery and make it readily accessible.

What about white privilege? We white folk benefit, albeit without any effort, from not having to answer questions about our race. Though much has been done to decrease racism, its a stretch to say in 2008 that white privilege no longer exists. And so we benefit from historic and current evil. What about the fact that we live on land taken from Native Americans?

Like cheap prices at Walmart? It comes on the backs of sweatshop workers in Asia and other 3rd world countries.

Let me get personal for a moment. My wife and I are/were infertile. We decided to adopt. While adoption is a good and beautiful thing, it is possible ONLY when evil has done its work (e.g., death, abuse, rape, drugs, teen sex, poverty, etc.). And so we benefit from evil in that we can raise two beautiful boys not from our own loins.

So, how should we respond to these benefits? End the torch relay because it refers back to Nazi-ism? Boycott new electronic technology? Continue some form of affirmative action? Stop buying at Walmart? Keep kids in foster homes? Of course not for most of these examples (though affirmative action and boycotting Walmart are possible and maybe even probable answers). Instead, I think we ought to:

  1. Remain vigilant about the subtle ways we benefit from evil so we are not blind (1 Thess 5:6)
  2. Make sure that those being actively hurt (e.g., sweatshop workers) are helped by our stand for justice (Eze. 22:29)
  3. Being willing to suffer for the benefit of the vulnerable (e.g., higher prices; jobs going to qualified minorities that might not be as easily noticed). (Phil. 2)
  4. Reclaiming for God’s glory what was intended for evil (e.g., using electronic media to spread the Gospel) (Gen 50:20; Acts 11:19f)

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April 9, 2008 · 5:42 am

A biblical basis for affirmation?


Have you ever had a negative reaction when listening to Joel Osteen, reading Guideposts, or hearing someone spout pop psychology that God loves you and wants you to be happy and that you are special? I confess I have that reaction all the time when I hear superficial platitudes self-esteem talk like this. I always think of the SNL character Stuart Smalley (I’m good enough, smart enough, and doggone it, people like me).

Daily Affirmations By Stuart Smalley

But, I admit I’ve probably overcorrected in the effort to avoid self-serving, self-promoting, crossless thinking (it is a serious human disease!). John Armstrong of Act3 offers a great corrective to my suspicious mindset and lays out the beginnings of the biblical basis for appropriate affirmations and peace with the person God made us to be. I commend you to read him here: http://www.act3online.com/current_a3_weekly.asp 

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April 8, 2008 · 5:37 am

Musings from Isaiah 40-45: Our only hope for egocentrism and self-sufficiency


I’ve been sitting in a SS class on Isaiah for the last 8 weeks. This week, we looked at Is. 44-45. One of the beauties of Isaiah is that he doesn’t mince words. In the same book, in the same chapter he points out our sin, God’s judgment and yet also points to God’s saving power. We’d prefer to focus on grace but Isaiah tells us we need both. Thus far in the book we get the truth: God is holy, we are not. Our trust in ourselves, in our leaders, in our ability to capture God have utterly failed. We are blind, dumb and no better (maybe worse) than the enemies of God.

And then we get to chapter 40. Here, we begin to get very clear images of God’s gracious acts along with more doses of the truth:

40:1-2: Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been pain for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins

40:6f …All men are like grass…the grass withers…but the word of our God stands for ever.

And what is that word? Vs. 10f tells us that he comes in power, he tends his flock, carries them, and gently leads them. he will not grow tired or weary. Even though we grow weary, thosw who hope in him will walk and not faint.

In chapter 41 we again see God’s power. The islands see his power and tremble. What has he done with that power? He has chosen and not rejected a people. What are we to do? Not fear even though a war rages around. Can we not fear? Not really. But the Lord himself (v. 14) will help us.

In chapter 42, God will no longer stand idly by but will, like a woman in childbirth, cry out as he makes them trust only in Him. Yes, he handed deaf and dumb over to be plundered. But why? Chapter 43 gives the answer: because there is only one savior who redeems, only one who can be trusted to save. Though we pass through the waters, this savior is with us. Even in our punishment we are not abandoned. The whole Gospel is summed up in 43:11:

I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.

So, for our sakes, we are sent to Babylon. Why? So we forget our former glories and recognize that only God provides the water and the food. While we would consider this punishment a sign of rejection and hatred, chapter 44 shows us God’s heart for holiness includes grace–even for foolish folk who try to find their comfort and safety in human things. He says, “Remember…I have made you, you are my servant; O Israel, I will not forget you. I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you” (v. 21-22).

Chapter 45 shows an amazing picture. God’s victory over sin is sure. He even uses pagans (Cyrus) for the sake of his people (notice even in the temple, they can take no pride in having been the one’s to build it). And at the end of the day our hope comes not from our ability to be righteous but in the Lord’s power to save: “They will say to me, ‘In the Lord alone are righteousness and strength.'” 

I encourage you to read these chapters (especially 44:8; 24-28; 45:1-25) to see where our redemption and hope come from. Avoid trying to apply each little verse but read it as it is: poetry. Look at the description of God’s people, of THE Servant, and of God himself. You will walk away with the overwhelming sense that God is holy, that he keeps his word, and that he is delivering us from ourselves for his own namesake. A good thing to read if you are downcast and worried about yourself. 

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February 27, 2008 · 12:56 pm

Do we really learn from instruction?


[Note: those looking for my blog summary of Integrative Psychotherapy, ch. 6 will need to come back tomorrow. Running behind :(]

How much do we really benefit from instruction? Yes, instruction increases our knowledge base. That is certainly true. But do we benefit–does our behavior really change from it? Do we learn and does it show? Allow me the freedom of hyperbole here…

This question about instruction was raised in my Sunday School class on Isaiah by our teacher John Timlin. Consider the following examples:

1. The first Fall (instruction was given and rejected) happens. God remakes creation through the flood. What happens next? Noah’s son mucks it up.

2.  Israel is warned against falling away from God by Moses as they enter the promised land. He not only tells them what to avoid but that they will likely do it anyway. What happens? Israel turns away from God to pride and idolatry.

3. The Prophets warn both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms that unless they turn from their idols, God will punish them via Assyria. First the Northern Kingdom falls. Does Judah learn from this? No. Read the passage of Ezekial 23 adn the two sisters for a graphic image of this not learning from instruction.

Fast forward to today. Does information about the risks of drug use, unprotected sex help? Some, I’m sure. But not as much as we’d like to think…

So, what does God do? he blinds the people (Isaiah 6:9ff; parables in the Gospels) so that we are left without any doubt that our salvation comes only from him. In Isaiah 6 at the end, there is only a stump left. We the vine are a mere stump. And out of that stump, the root of Jesse grows and we are grafted back in as branches.

Yes, we learn from instruction, but not enough to save ourselves. Thanks be to God for his rescue plan!

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February 14, 2008 · 6:35 pm

What defines you? Ashes or Stones of Remembrance?


The Israelites were told to pile up stones as a reminder to their children that the Lord had done an amazing work. These stone of remembrance provide a reminder during hard times that God is near and active. Sometimes we also have the reverse: ashes. Ashes that remind us of a painful time, a failure, a grief/loss, a violent moment. It is easier to see the ashes and allow those ashes to completely define us.

A friend of mine told me of a “Dr. Phil” episode where he was talking to a woman who has lost her daughter at 18 and had never recovered despite many years passing. He asked her whether she would only define her life by her daughter’s death-thereby implicitly denying the 18 years of her life. Pretty good for Dr. Phil.

Without taking more than 20 seconds to think of the answer, what “stone” or “ash” do you most easily use to define your life?

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February 7, 2008 · 5:39 am

Praying Proverbs 30


Recently read Proverbs 30 and see how it could be “translated” to today as a prayer model.

1. Reminder of who I am and am not (v 2-4)

“I am the most ignorant of men…I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.” “Who has gone up to heave and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands?”

2. Reminder to not mess with God’s Word (v. 5-6)

3. Prayer to God for mercy and protection (v. 7-9)

…keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, “who is the lord?” Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of the Lord.

4. Numerous reminders of the reality of how this broken world is, various examples of pain and a final reminder that fools who exalt them self come to strife, just like “twisting the nose produces blood.”

Certainly, this isn’t all that we need to pray, but I think it helpful none the less.

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January 29, 2008 · 5:45 am

Spurgeon on depression


A couple of times a year Diane Langberg invites one of her pastors to come and minister to us at staff meeting. It is always a rich time. Last week, Greg MacDougall talked to us about some of Spurgeon’s thoughts on depression. He summarized a chapter from Spurgeon’s Lectures to my Students. Gotta love the chapter title: “The Minister’s fainting fits.” As Greg said, “No, this isn’t about histrionic ministers, though someone should probably write about that, its about why we find ourselves in despair, what occasions our depression, and the lesson from it” (I’m paraphrasing Greg here from memory). By the way, I think we could replace “depressed” with anxious, and tempted towards addictions in what is written below.

So, here are some of Spurgeon’s points.

1. Why do we get depressed?

  • Duh, we’re human. No, he didn’t say, “duh” but we are sons and daughters of Adam and so we know suffering and brokenness.
  • We all have physical and mental infirmities. “Certain bodily maladies, especially those connected with the digestive organs…Are the fruitful fountains of despondency….As to mental maladies, is any man altogether sane?
  • The work of christian ministry encourages us to despair when we see sinners sinning all the more boldly
  • The Christian leader is somewhat lonely by position
  • “Sedentary habits have a tendency to create despondency in some constitutions.” Studying, reading, etc. He suggests “stiff walk in the wind’s face, would not give grace to the soul, but it would yield oxygen to the body, which is next best.”

2. When are we likely to get depressed?

  • Right after a great success, after a “cherished desire is fulfilled.”
  • Before a great achievement (when we may be tempted to give up)
  • “In the midst of a long stretch of unbroken labour…” we wear out and despair
  • When we are betrayed by a beloved
  • When troubles abound
  • For unknown reasons. This must not be forgotten. Many depressions may not have a discernible cause. What we do with them is more of the issue. “Causeless depression is not to be reasoned with, nor can David’s harp charm it away by sweet discoursings….One affords himself no pity when in this case, because it seems so unreasonable, and even sinful to be troubled without manifest cause; and yet troubled the man is…”

3. The Lesson:“be not dismayed by soul-trouble.” “Cast the burden of the present, along with the sin of the past and the fear of the future, upon the Lord, who forsaketh not his saint. Live by the day–ay, by the hour. Put no trust in frames and feelings. Care more for a grain of faith than a ton of excitement….Be not surprised when friends fail you: it is a failing world….Between this and heaven there may be rougher weather yet, but it is all provided for by our covenant Head….Come fair or come foul…be it ours, when we cannot see the face of our God, to trust under the shadow of his wings.”

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