So much has been said about the legalization of same-sex marriage in our country since its passage into law through the voice of the U.S. Supreme Court. But what does God have to say about marriage from the court of heaven? This is so important, because that is what we should say. His Word tells us clearly:
“So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, ‘This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.’
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.” (Genesis 2:21-25 ESV)
From the very beginning God created, designed and ordained marriage to be an intimate joining between a man and a woman only. Scripture is clear: There is no room for revision, evolution or deviation in God’s eyes. History shows us that societies given to defiling the marriage covenant crumbled over time because the basic unit of the family was compromised.
Which brings us to this: In light of what is said in his Word what would Jesus say we are to do? Let me offer the following:
1) I believe Jesus would say: “Pray for your governmental leaders and those in authority for a godly quality of life to prevail (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Keep praying for I am he who turns the heart of kings.” (Proverbs 21:1)
2) I believe Jesus would say: “Build bridges, not barriers. Be compassionately and uncompromisingly clear, without being religiously and rudely judgmental. (Matthew 7:1-2) Let love blaze a trail for ongoing relationships through which the gospel can be shared in a climate of safety.”
3) I believe Jesus would say: “Go to everyone and share the gospel with every heart. Make disciples. (Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19-20). It is only my truth that will set people free from the inside-out. (John 8:32).”
4) I believe Jesus would say: “Remember, above it all I am still in control and “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him… (Romans 8:28). This is not the endpoint.”
Over recent years, I have personally shared with, prayed with, and prayed for some of our state’s most influential leaders including our past Governor, Lt. Governor, House Speaker, Senate President, Majority leader, and Mayor as the same-sex marriage issue unfolded. Many supported SSM. A few of them now know the Lord. In most instances beliefs and convictions were shared openly. From both sides, I thought that HOW we shared them was of utmost importance. A tone of calm and respect prevented potentially contentious conversations that could have caused irreparable damage.
Lasting transformation is a by-product of persevering prayers that move the heart of God and empower his hand of providence. It is a patient process not an intense event, and the result of obedient relational discipleship trumping oppressive emotional reaction.
Given our country’s biblical foundations, many have asked the question, “What happened?” Given our country’s obvious departure from those very foundations, the more important question now becomes, “What’s next?” My appeal is that we do our best to say what Jesus would say then do what Jesus would do but in the way Jesus would do it: with compassion, courage, and uncompromising love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). And let’s remember: we are all still a work of grace in progress.