Words from the Weary Wilderness - Lenten Journey Day 29
posted on March 31
Day Twenty-Nine Monday, April 4
Regarding Divorce or Remarriage
Read: Deuteronomy 24:1-4
Laws concerning Marriage and Divorce
24 Suppose a man enters into marriage with a woman, but she does not please him because he finds something objectionable about her, and so he writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house; she then leaves his house 2 and goes off to become another man’s wife. 3 Then suppose the second man dislikes her, writes her a bill of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house (or the second man who married her dies); 4 her first husband, who sent her away, is not permitted to take her again to be his wife after she has been defiled; for that would be abhorrent to the Lord, and you shall not bring guilt on the land that the Lord your God is giving you as a possession.
Today’s Word from the Weary Wilderness: Suppose a man enters into marriage with a woman, but she does not please him… (Deuteronomy 24:1a)
Reflection: The word “divorce” is mentioned 29 times in our Bible, 13 times in the Old Testament and 16 times in the New Testament. 8 of the 13 references in the Old Testament are in our Lenten focus scriptures of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. I would also call your attention to Deuteronomy 22, where more specifics about divorce are mentioned. Our passage today is about what happens to a woman whose husband finds her objectionable. We do not know what the basis for that judgment might be, but we do know that this must have happened in the wilderness somewhere along the way. How do you feel about these rules? What is your emotional response? Your spiritual response? How do you feel women are protected and cared for in this story? What are your thoughts about human activity bringing “guilt on the land?” (v.4) How does Jesus address questions such as these, as they are asked of him by the Pharisees?
Prayer: God of the Weary Wilderness, we bring to you all of our relationships. For the good ones, we give you praise. For the failed ones, we ask your forgiveness. Be with us as we faithfully read your Word; may we ask questions of it, wonder in it, and seek your living truth for today. Amen.
Blessings of Peace and Health,
Bev
Rev. Beverly B. Coppley
District Superintendent
& Chief Missional Strategist
