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I Corinthians 7:29-31, What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not;  those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

This whole discussion on marriage is interesting.  Paul is not opposed to marriage but there is a certain tension in this chapter.  He is genuinely concerned about those who marry and have families.  There is the whole issue of not being totally and completely dedicated to God (because they are also dedicated to their spouse and children) but there is also a present distress that exists and may get worse.  At that time in Corinth, there was definite pressure being put on the Jews and increasing pressure on the new Christians.  We know from reading history that intense persecution is on the horizon. 

Living in stable societies, rarely do we think much about the effect of persecution, warfare, and oppression on families.  Paul was very right; those who were married with children would in fact suffer more.  They would worry more about the safety and welfare of their children and it would be more difficult for them to pick up their lives and flee.  It was only fifteen years after Paul wrote this letter that Jerusalem was destroyed.  What did the families do in such circumstances?  I can't help but think about the fate of families in more recent conflicts - Rwanda, Bosnia, Syria, and now Afghanistan. 

Let's pray...Lord Jesus, we pray for the safety and welfare of families around the world.  Right now, we pray that you place a hedge of protection around families in Afghanistan.  I can't imagine the fear and desperation of parents.  Lord, give wisdom to parents here in the U.S. Help us focus on you as we raise kids in the present distress.  In Your Name, Amen.