What God Has Joined Together?

Hey friend! Have you ever wondered about these profound yet mysterious words spoken by Jesus: "What God has joined together, let not man separate"? I know I‘ve pondered the implications of this phrase many times, both for my own relationship and for understanding God‘s purposes in marriage. There‘s actually a lot of depth to unpack in this simple but profound statement. In this article, we‘ll explore the key biblical foundations and also consider practical applications to marriage today as both a tech analyst interested in cultural trends and a Christian desiring to gain wisdom from the Bible. Let‘s dive in!

The Biblical Basis

Jesus first spoke these impactful words when questioned about divorce by some Pharisees, who debated the legal reasons one could end a marriage. Let‘s take a look at the full passage:

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Matthew 19:4-6)

It‘s fascinating to examine Jesus‘ logic here. He appeals to God‘s intent for marriage at creation, citing Genesis 1:27 and 2:24. By going back to the very first marriage, Jesus establishes God‘s purposes for all marriages since then.

Drilling down, the Hebrew word for "united" is a very intense term – dabaq – implying adhering completely to someone. It‘s often used to describe someone "clinging" or "sticking" to God in deep love and loyalty. The Greek Septuagint translation uses the word "proskollao" which also means to be glued or cemented together. This paints an image of the inseparable oneness of husband and wife, fused at all levels.

This unity is explicitly spiritual as well as physical – described as becoming "one flesh". One flesh intimates the complete union of every aspect – hearts, souls, minds, bodies. The original Hebrew word for "one" in Genesis is "echad" – which means a complex unity, not just a single thing. It‘s the same "one" used in the Shema, affirming God‘s oneness as a triune being. This hints that the marital union mirrors the mystery of multiple persons being one.

Jesus then applies this logic to the question of ending marriages. Since the husband and wife are divinely glued together as one flesh, he concludes firmly that human beings must not attempt to separate what God fused together at creation. Only God has the authority to unseal something He sealed in the first place!

The Permanence of Marriage

So we see Jesus defending the Genesis foundation of marriage as necessarily permanent and indissoluble. The one flesh union was God‘s idea when designing human relationships in the ideal Garden of Eden. All marriages since carry the same expectation of lifelong fidelity and commitment.

But as we know all too well, ever since the Fall the sacred union of marriage has been deeply marred by sin, suffering, and brokenness. Hardened hearts have led to separation and divorce ripping apart what should be an unbreakable bond.

In the Old Testament we see God continually calling His people to covenant faithfulness even when they desperately wanted to abandon the marriage:

“Return, faithless people," declares the LORD, "for I am your husband." (Jeremiah 3:14)

Yet God also permitted divorce in certain situations due to the dysfunction of human sin. Jesus made it clear however that from the very beginning divorce was never part of God‘s perfect plan and desires.

So how are we to make sense of the high ideal yet painful reality of broken marital bonds? Theologians have extensively debated this tension. Here are a few key positions on the implications of “What God has joined”:

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There is wisdom and some truth in each perspective. This brief overview shows just how complex the debates get! But ultimately, I think it comes down to recognizing both God‘s ideal standard and realistic grace for human failings. Marriage is indeed intended to be an unbroken, one flesh union representing Christ and the Church. But sin has shattered that ideal, and at times permitted divorce may be the only viable option left.

Even then, I love how God often uses even the most broken parts of our lives redemptively if we allow Him access. I’ve witnessed couples on the verge of permanent divorce renews their vows after seeking deep healing. With God, a new marriage can be forged from the ashes of the old one in ways only He could orchestrate!

Modern Applications

Now you may be wondering, with around 50% of marriages ending in divorce today, does this teaching really matter anymore? Our culture often treats the marital covenant as simply a legal agreement that can be nullified if either partner desires. This stands in stark contrast to the biblical principles we‘ve explored.

I think these foundations very much still matter, even if the ideal standard seems impossibly high. Understanding marriage as a divinely-fused covenant provides meaning and motivation to persevere through thick and thin. Seeing your spouse as someone joined to you and called to reflect Christ‘s covenant love can inspire greater effort and forgiveness.

Rather than settling for divorce as the easy way out when tensions arise, couples grounded in biblical truth will fight for redemption and restoration of their marriages. They‘ll believe that with God‘s help even the most damaged relationships can be healed and renewed.

Personally, I try to remember that Amanda and I are “one flesh” very intentionally put together by God even before we met. During times of conflict or distance, reflecting on our marriage as a sacred union ordained by God motivates me to love, pursue, and reconcile more intentionally.

Here are some current statistics on marriage and divorce that may surprise you:

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While divorce rates have stabilized and even declined in recent years, they remain very high historically. However, the good news is over 75% of divorced people eventually remarry, showing the resilience of marital hopes. And the trend toward older first marriages may relate to more intentional partner selection.

Clearly, lifelong marriage remains the ideal standard we should promote and aspire to. But living in a fallen world means constructively addressing broken relationships while upholding God’s best as the ultimate goal. Messiness need not undermine the beauty of marriage even if realizing it fully awaits future perfection.

What Else God Joins

Beyond husbands and wives, Scripture indicates there are other bonds designed by God to be lifelong unions not easily severed:

And now a word to you who are married in the Lord: All men will respect you as wives, and all women will honor you as husbands. After all, even in nature there is a difference between men and women.(1 Corinthians 11:11)

This affirms that something holy has been joined together in marriage that is to be honored. So the marital union points to a deeper spiritual reality.

We also see language of being “joined together” used for the familial bond of parents and children:

Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. (Romans 14:20-21)

Here mutual care and deferring individual freedom for the sake of spiritual family unity is emphasized. There is a sacred connection not to be severed between brothers and sisters in Christ.

Finally, Scripture speaks of every believer being permanently joined to Jesus through the Holy Spirit:

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:1-2)

What an amazing promise that nothing can undo the salvation Jesus purchased for us! Even when we grieve Him through sin, He remains faithful as our heavenly bridegroom.

In Summary

Looking back at our journey through key biblical texts, I hope you‘ve gained a renewed sense of the weighty meaning when Jesus teaches "What God has joined together, let not man separate." While the challenges of living this out are formidable, God‘s purposes remain fixed and true. May He grant all married couples abundant grace to reflect His covenant love for human flourishing and His glory.

Let me know if you have any other thoughts or questions! Wishing you much joy in pursuing oneness.

Your friend,

Terry