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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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Deuteronomy 24:5
If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay home and bring happiness to the wife he has married.
I take this verse very seriously.
Having been a Christian leader for over 30 years, it is a principle which I have practised and guarded very strictly. My justification? “I’m not having your divorce on my hands.”
There are enough pressures in life today, and the enemy is targeting marriages, particularly Christian marriages, so I counsel strongly that this verse be upheld. If two get married within my sphere of responsibility, they are let off from leadership for 12 months. As I say to them - on the 366th or 367th day (depending on whether it is a leap year), I shall be knocking on their door - but before that they are to enjoy each other to the full.
However, I don’t think it is good for them to disassociate themselves from others, so they are encouraged to attend services and be actively involved in cell/small group ministry - but not as a leader. Yes, they can use their talents in music and serving but not as a leader. That level of responsibility in any area should be removed so that they can enjoy each other.
The pressures on young marrieds today are far too great to be allowed to be increased by other responsibilities. Let them have time out - it will give others a chance to shine and develop their gifts.
The greatest need in the Church today is leadership. We need to be constantly developing it - so what a golden opportunity affords itself when people get married. We can turn to the rest and say - “Well, we can’t use these newlyweds so we are going to have to use you instead.”
In Deuteronomy 17 we see God’s views about kings. It’s worth reading - especially as most people think it took God by surprise when the Israelites asked Samuel for a king and they were given Saul (1 Samuel 8:5).
Chapter 20 deals with going to war. Christians don’t fight physical wars any more - but why not? When did the Christians stop fighting physical wars and why? Read the history of the Knights of St John; it makes interesting reading. Certainly, even post-Calvary Christians have fought physical wars - so why don’t we do so now? Maybe, the world would be a better place if we did. The trouble is we seem to have stopped fighting Satan too.
There is a war on, my friend, and if there is a war on - newlyweds need to be exempted and protected from being a part of the front-line troops.
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