This is that thread. I considered putting it in the men's section, but concluded that this is a better place for it. My prayer is that others will learn from some of the mistakes that I have made, and not have to repeat them.
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Several years ago we attended a local fellowship which correctly taught "all" of Scripture, including the fact that a man may have more than one wife by Covenant. This attendance included both my wife L, and my wife B. While we did not "advertise" our relationship, neither did we attempt to hide it. Before we even formed that church, I had discussions with both of the men who were to become the pastors concerning our marriages. We "agreed to disagree" about a verse or two (Timothy and Titus, for one - and I had no problem agreeing simply that I would not seek to be an elder, in order to avoid even the issue of division).
Several years later, and unbeknown to me, two 'widows' in the congregation came to one of those pastors with what would be called "lashon hora" - that I had two 'wives' and was living in adultery. That pastor later told me that he had informed them of the situation, and what Scripture said. (Since they HAD no earthly husband, or covering, they arguably should have respected what he told them, but did not.)
On a subsequent Sabbath, following the worship service, my wife B disappeared after lunch, and did not return for the afternoon Torah study. I was concerned, and (skipping details here...) did NOT go to seek her out and confront those two who had "ganged up" on her in a back room and accused her of adultery. I should have.
They took it upon themselves to usurp my rightful authority as HUSBAND and head of my house, while I sat in another room and LET THEM DO IT!!!!!
They left that church, and so did my WIFE. Some time later she left me. And even though she eventually repented, and returned to me, and there was significant healing, even miraculous healing, scars remained. Strongholds remained. That was a number of years ago. And even though she said with her lips that she forgave me, and those others involved in the church, I have no doubt that she has never forgiven all of us "from her heart" for that horrible breach; the evidence is equally clear, and represents "surrendered ground" to the Adversary.
And I take responsibility. The authority that God has given to a husband, as head of his house, is outlined in Scripture. I was very wrong to have ever sat on my [you-know-what] and allowed ANY self-righteous servants of the Adversary to claim un-Godly authority over what He has joined!
And EVERY single God-fearing pastor and teacher that I know and respect understands that authority of a husband, and takes obvious care not to violate it. And IF THEY DO NOT, gentlemen, let that be a witness to you!
And WE, all of my house, suffered from the chastening that resulted from that breach. And I have repented. I have TURNED unequivocally from that lazy and unprofitable course, and studied, and prayed, and sought His guidance so that such a failure on my part does not happen again. Satan is clever, however, and comes but to kill and destroy. Most here know of my own trials of late; even without "license from Caesar", the prince of this world can and will try to take by fear and force that which he cannot as readily take by deception.
So my charge to those who are reading this particular Sabbath-day witness of mine is as follows:
Read and understand Numbers chapter 30, and the significance of the charges by God to both Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. There is much more there than meets the eye, and NOT ONE YOD OR TITTLE of it has been done away with! (I have written of this before, but not with so personal a testimony.) Be like the Bereans, and study for yourself to see if these things be True.
Men are to take authority over their own house, over their wives, over their daughters, and even their sons (to a lesser extent) who still live under their care. Do not allow any false "authority" or "teacher" to claim otherwise -- as Yeshua's repeated warnings make clear! Those who fail to honor "the weaker vessel" by properly exercising that love, and that responsibility, will reap what they sow.
Be watchful, my brothers.
