Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? . . . Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 2 Corinthians 6:14,15b

Joseph Reyes decided to have his daughter baptized. Normally I'm in favor of parents taking care of their children's spirituality.

I'm not sure about the motivation on this one.

You see, according to his ex-wife, Joseph has not always been the most religious of fellows. For years he never felt the need to baptize his daughter. And then, all of a sudden, after a number of years, he just up and had his daughter baptized.

It was only after the baptism was over that Joseph sent pictures of the event to his ex-wife -- his Jewish ex-wife -- the wife he hadn't told about the baptism. The wife, Rebecca, was sort of surprised by the baptism. She had been raising her daughter in her faith, the Jewish faith. She had even made sure the girl was attending a Jewish school.

The wife concluded her husband had used the baptism of their daughter as a way to thumb his nose at her. That's a judgment call I'm not wiling -- or able -- to make.
On the other hand, Judge Edward R. Jordan from the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, had no such reservations. Having heard the story, the judge imposed a 30-day restraining order on the father. He forbade Joseph from "exposing his daughter to any other religion than the Jewish religion."

In case you missed it, the judge said, for 30 days the daughter can't be brought into contact with any faith other than the Jewish faith.

Now I've got a sneaky suspicion this story isn't over. No, I won't hazard any guess on how it will all turn out or how the daughter will turn out.

But I'm pretty sure the Lord isn't overly keen on seeing a child being used in such a way by her parents. Maybe that's why He told His people -- His men and women -- not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. The Lord says that because He knows just how poorly light and darkness mix.

They don't. Never have. Never will.

This is why, today, we pray for those who are young and looking for someone.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, there is no greater joy than to have a spouse with whom you can share your faith. Similarly there is no greater sadness than watching the souring of love between two individuals with different faiths. I pray You will send Christian partners to our Christian children. Bless them and grant them a home where they are yoked together in peace, in joy, and in Jesus. In the Savior's Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 17-18    Mark 9:1-29

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