April 1, 2006
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Deuteronomy on “marriage”
“If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty placed on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married.” Deut 24:5
This is actually the second instance of Scripture I noticed in my reading of Deut where allowance was made for the priority of marriage over the duties of a soldier. (Check out Deut 20:7) Marriage must be really important to God!
But what really strikes me about this verse is the latter half. In a completely patriarchal society, one would expect for the exhortation to be “so that his wife can bring him happiness” — but instead, the opposite is being commanded. Why do you think?
To me, it reveals that the idea of marriage being created for the enjoyment of both husband and wife is NOT a new man-made (or “woman”-made) idea. I think the tendency in that society was for the men to live like it was all about them*, so, in light of that, perhaps God needed to spell it out plainly that it was important to Him that the husbands sought after bringing happiness to their own wives. –which, I think, is really something!
*if we read all the stories about the patriarchs/men of the Bible, it would seem that they made all the decisions — wise ones for their families and also not-so-wise-ones to save their own neck or to satisfy their desires & makes themselves happy – even to take more than one woman (slave/concubine), even though that wasn’t how God wanted things
Comments (3)
I like this post.
I’m confused as to why the title spells Deuteronomy as “Deuternonmy.”
haha. thanks, jeanine. typo.
As the Spirit leads…
Dearest family and friends in Christ,
Hello my brothers and sisters in Christ! My name is Sam Kim and I am here writing this letter to share with you a wonderful journey that God has called me to this summer. It’s been only 4 years since I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior but at God’s faithfulness and his constant work in my life, I stand speechless lost in words at his unfailing love. For example, this short term mission will be my 5th mission trip! Not to boast in my experiences but humbly I would like to share with you how this mission trip is different from my previous ones and I want to invite you to be a part of this great journey with me.
Last year, when I was in Thailand for short-term summer missions, I felt a strong conviction from God for me to go to China this summer. Though my heart was in Thailand, I just could not resist His calling. Specifically, God did not call me to China to do great things for Him but simply, He wanted me to witness the great things that God is doing in China. You see, I have a great joyous burden in my heart for mission work in the future and I believe that my visit to China will greatly expand my vision. In my previous mission trips, I was simply obeying God’s great commission by seizing all opportunities that God has laid down before me. However, this summer’s mission trip is different simply in that God has directly spoken to my heart to a specific place to do a specific work for Him. Considering this command from God, I am full of joy as I eagerly wait for His plans to unfold! “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) With a promise like this from God, I could honestly say that I have nothing to fear.
As a senior in University of California San Diego, God has blessed me through an on-campus Christian group KCM (Korean-American Campus Mission) that could not only send me to China for a month but could train me well for missions. The heart and soul of KCM is for the lost souls as they believe in mobilizing God’s people both locally and globally, obeying His word for His glory. Over 100 students from different Southern California Universities will be trained for 3 months and will be sent to China, Russia, Uganda, India, Philippines and Cambodia. Specifically for China, our team of about 20 students will use English Ministry to reach out to people in China. As you know, it is against the law to openly preach about Jesus Christ. Therefore, through English camps and VBS for kids, we are hoping to gain opportunities to have praise consisting of songs, body worship, and the presentation of the Gospel message.
It is true that China is a land of persecution for the Believers. But in Acts 23:11, as Apostle Paul was heading towards a dangerous place in Rome, God declares “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” God unfailingly demonstrates His divine provision as Paul would eventually explain and declare to leaders of Jews in Rome about the kingdom of God and Jesus from morning till evening as it states later on in Acts 28:23. Amazing! Just as he delivered Apostle Paul through a dangerous place, I believe that god will be with our teams as I find great comfort in this Apostle Paul’s amazing testimony. I believe in God’s promises and His perfect sovereign plan but I also need support. With your prayers, my faith in God will not wither and my heart will be protected from evil things.
Please pray for:
1) Myself – That I may be pure in heart and full of trust in His faithfulness at all times
2) My team – That we may have a servant’s heart towards each other and the people as we work together to further his kingdom.
3) The people in China – That their hearts may be open to the Gospel message.
Also, your financial assistance to help cover the $3200 cost will be used to support my month long stay as well as training expense. Your financial support will allow me to go to China and your prayer support will make us effective there. If you are led to join me in this summer mission program through financial support, please send your support at the latest by June 18, 2006. If you so choose, please do not delay in your response. I am required to raise a minimum of $1600 by May 21, 2006; otherwise I will be dropped from this year’s program. Any support from you will be a huge encouragement and a blessing not only to myself but for my team as well. Thank you!
In His Grace,
Sam Kim
Please make checks payable to:
KCM c/o Sam Kim (China)
12413 East 195th St.
Cerritos, CA 90703
http://www.kcmonline.org
I sincerely apologize for a long comment and I really appreciate you reading this. Thank you~
May God bless you!