22 Jan, 2007

Does anyone wanna be like Mike now?

Basketball yes....marriage no.

Michael Jordan and Wife File for Divorce

Michael Jordan's wife, Juanita, have filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences after 17 years of marriage.

The couple met at a Chicago restaurant during his second season with the Bulls and were married Sept. 2, 1989, in Las Vegas. They have three children: Jeffrey, 18, Marcus, 16, and Jasmine, 14.

The Jordans, who have lived separately since February, will share custody of their children, according to court documents.

"The co-petitioners acknowledge that although their marriage is ending, they desire to resolve all of the issues surrounding the dissolution of marriage in the most amicable, expeditious and private fashion possible, for the benefit of themselves and their children," the documents read.

Jordan is one of the richest athletes in the world. He was paid more than $30 million in his final season with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan, a part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, led the Bulls to six NBA titles and was a five-time league MVP.

photo courtesy images.google.com & story digg.com, 01/12/07

Matthew 19:3-12 - (NLT)

3Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: "Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for any reason?" 4"Haven't you read the Scriptures?" Jesus replied. "They record that from the beginning `God made them male and female.' 5And he said, `This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.' 6Since they are no longer two but one, let no one separate them, for God has joined them together." 7"Then why did Moses say a man could merely write an official letter of divorce and send her away?" they asked. 8Jesus replied, "Moses permitted divorce as a concession to your hard-hearted wickedness, but it was not what God had originally intended. 9And I tell you this, a man who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery--unless his wife has been unfaithful." 10Jesus' disciples then said to him, "Then it is better not to marry!" 11"Not everyone can accept this statement," Jesus said. "Only those whom God helps. 12Some are born as eunuchs, some have been made that way by others, and some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone who can, accept this statement."

What does today's God's Story scripture tell us about Jesus' teaching on the life issue of marriage and divorce?

The answer to this question is pretty obvious isn't it! In our culture, divorce is not only legal and accepted, but expected by most people. But Jesus makes it very clear that marriage is to be a lifetime commitment.

Jesus explained that God permitted divorce in Moses' day because of the people's hard hearts. God led Moses to set up some laws to help the victims of divorce, especially women who needed protection in the culture of that day.

Jesus also explained that divorce is permitted when one spouse is unfaithful to the other.

For years, kids wanted to be like Mike, because he was probably the best basketball player to ever play the game. But Michael Jordan's talents, riches, and fame were not the answer to the question of how to have a successful marriage. What is the answer?

Be like Jesus.

How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?

  • Pray right now...thank God for His plan for marriage. Thank Him for His Word which gives clear instructions for a successful marriage. Thank Him for His Holy Spirit which alone can provide the power and unconditional love that couples need to experience the beauty of a lifetime commitment. Pray for your parents' marriage and the marriage of others you know.
  • Pray every day for God to help you keep His Holy command on marriage in mind as you consider and experience relationships with the opposite sex. Ask God to help you trust Him with whatever His plan is for you and a potential marriage partner in your future.
  • During the next month, write down the number of times you see a "marriage doesn't really matter" attitude in songs, movies, and on television. Write down any examples you see in people around you of God's perspective on commitment in marriage. At the end of the month, write down the lessons you learn.

How can you connect today's story, God's story scripture, and your story to others?

Whenever you are with friends who need Jesus and the topic of marriage comes up in music, movies, television, or in the news, ask them what they think about marriage? Ask them why they think Michael Jordan and his wife couldn't work out their differences? Ask Jesus to help you share His perspective on His Truth about marriage and divorce.

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God's Story is brought to you by Youth for Christ. YFC works with young people on campus and in the community in over one hundred countries around the world so that they might have an opportunity to become a follower of Christ and be a part of a local church.

Our writer, Byron Emmert, has been with YFC for over 30 years and has served as Campus Life Staff, in leadership for DCLA, and as an author and speaker. Byron is available for speaking at youth or adult events and conferences. For booking, write to byron@3Story.org.

Byron and his wife Linda live in Minnesota and their family includes two married sons and daughters-in-law, a grandaughter, and a daughter in college. He loves sports, deep dish pizza, and spending time with his family.