Date: Friday, 9th October, 2026
Text: Matthew 19:4–8
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
God’s original design for marriage was a permanent, lifelong union between one man and one woman. Though Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of human hearts, Jesus made it clear that “from the beginning it was not so” (Matthew 19:8). God’s permission should therefore never be mistaken for His perfect desire.God hates divorce (Malachi 2:15-16)
Sometimes the permissive will comes through impatience with God’s timing. Ishmael came through Abraham’s attempt to fulfil God’s promise through human arrangement, while Isaac came according to God’s appointed time. What Abraham obtained through impatience brought pain and conflict, showing that what we produce outside God’s timing cannot replace what He has ordained.
Israel also demanded a king so they could be like other nations, and God permitted their request by giving them Saul. Though Saul appeared impressive, he eventually lost the kingdom through disobedience, while David was raised according to God’s purpose. Israel also demanded meat and got what they requested, but judgment followed while the meat was still in their mouths (Numbers 11:31–33).
God’s perfect will may initially appear unreasonable to the human mind, but “the foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). The permissive will may look attractive or convenient at first, but its consequences can bring pain and regret. Do not settle for what God merely permits; seek what He truly desires and trust His timing.
Bible in One Year: Matthew 21–22