Good Morning.
“You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14)
Like the previous instruction, this second command of the second tablet parallels its counterpart on the first tablet – “You shall have no idols.” One who would betray their spouse can be expected to betray the God who calls Himself “Jealous” and demands exclusivity. Those who go after other gods are considered to be committing spiritual adultery because of the God of Israel is “husband” to them. So then, whether literal or spiritual adultery, the offender has betrayed the one they are in covenant with.
Adultery encompasses more than a physical act; it also involves speech, thought and association that compromises purity. In other words, the adulterer doesn’t wake up one day and decide to commit such a thing — it almost always is the consummation of something that began long before. Messiah addressed this when He said:
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28)
One should not think that it is appropriate to think upon these things as long as it is not carried out in the flesh. Those things committed in the flesh are conceived in the heart and nourished in the mind of those who fall victim to such. Likewise, we should not think that flirting with the ideologies and philosophies of the world — those other “gods” — can turn out well. If we allow our eyes to be led astray, it is almost certain that our hearts will follow. We are called to be a chaste bride, and as such, we are to have eyes for no one other than our soon coming Bridegroom. Let us reaffirm this and be dedicated to keep our eyes on Him and, as is pleasing in His sight, to be true to the one He has paired us with in this life.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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