As I write this article, the Supreme Court has struck down any state laws that limit civil marriage to a contract between a man and a woman. The decision is considered a watershed moment in American history, and a victory against discrimination.
The decision is the latest societal victory for homosexual activists. One television reporter correctly noted that the decision will spark debate in religious institutions throughout America. Which is, of course, the saddest note in this entire matter.
For a Christian, the Supreme Court decision should be irrelevant. Men do not have the right to redefine parameters that were put into place by God when He created man:
And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed (Genesis 2:21-25).
As a preacher I have always limited myself to marrying people who I believe have the right before God to be wed. In the past, that was limited to those who had not been married before, or those who had divorced for just cause (cf. Matthew 19:9). I have on occasion consented to marry individuals who were not members of the congregation where I preach, and even individuals who were not Christians, if they consented to Bible study before I performed the ceremony. Understanding the possible ramifications of this decision, I am forced to reconsider my practice.
Truly, I don’t know where this will go. What would happen if two homosexuals asked me to perform a wedding ceremony for them? I would, of course, refuse. Would I be sued? Could I be convicted of unlawful discrimination? Could I be ruined financially? Might they go after the West Side church? If this is not currently possible, might laws soon change to where it is?
Of course, people don’t need a preacher to get married. My inclination is to refuse to marry anyone outside of our own congregation, telling them to go to a Justice of the Peace. If that is not sufficient, then to get out of the marrying business entirely. I guess we will just have to wait and see.
What I do know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, is that our nation has taken another step toward God’s judgment. I am reminded of the title of Robert Bork’s book, Slouching Towards Gomorrah. I do not have any prediction regarding how long God will suffer the ungodliness of this nation. I Only know that His longsuffering will one day end, and this nation will fall.
Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem comes to mind, “How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” The city rejected the Savior, and suffered as a result. America today has shown her unwillingness to submit to God’s will. Evil has been called good, and good evil. We are truly a rebellious and stiff-necked people, who exalt ourselves above God. As our President ends his speech, saying America should be proud, I can only pray in sorrow for repentance.
