(Jesus said) "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

One of the great tragedies of our age is the large number of promises made and broken by husbands and wives.

The toll exacted by divorce and broken marriages cannot be calculated.

Unlike America, England does not have a no-fault divorce law. What that means is this: if you're going to a judge and asking him to end your legal relationship, you've got to give him a reason: a reason that fits into one of five categories -- categories like adultery and desertion.

That being said, half of all English divorces are awarded under the category labeled: "Unreasonable Behavior." Examples of unreasonable behavior that lead to a divorce include

• asking your spouse to speak and dress like a Klingon;

• having your wife repeatedly serve you tuna casserole -- the one meal you hate;

• having Timmy, your husband's pet, sleep in a box next to your bed. (Timmy is a tarantula.)

In the final analysis, it makes little difference if you have a faulted or no-fault divorce. The promise, the support, the help which was supposed to have been there in the marriage, isn't.

In contrast to humankind's faithlessness, listen to what Jesus said on the day of His ascension. He told His disciples, and us: "Behold I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Through His life, death, suffering and sacrificial substitution for us on the cross, Jesus had already shown the depth of His commitment to saving us. After His resurrection the Savior showed us that His faithfulness to us would continue on throughout the length of our lives and beyond.

Little wonder husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it (see Ephesians 5:25). There is no higher example we could be given.

Imagine if that kind of Christ-like commitment would accompany every husband and wife into their marriage relationship. Imagine what would happen if we actually did stay, and love, and encourage each other always.

It would be, my friends, unbelievable.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, sinful human beings cannot begin to duplicate the level of love You have shown to us by winning our release from sin, Satan and death. On the other hand, help us appreciate what You have done and, as we are able, to reflect it to those who are around us. In Jesus' Name we ask this. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 7-9    Luke 18:24-43

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