Marriage

13. June 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello:

It’s the weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Before we get into our study on divorce, I thought it would be nice just to look at some other scriptures today that had to do with relationship. 

Ephesians 5: 22” Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” 

A lot of people have problems with this text because of the whole submit, obey idea.  In a lot of wedding ceremonies, the words submit and obey have even been taken out of the marriage vows.    

Look at this text though.  To me it represents a beautiful picture of a Godly marriage.  Let’s look at the role of the man.  He is to love the wife as Christ loved the church and he is the head of the wife.  You have to admit that is some pretty powerful and amazing love.  To be loved as Christ loved the church; that nothing was too much to sacrifice for her even to the point of life.  Christ loved the church to the point that he endured suffering, shame, guilt, etc in order that she would be reconciled back to the father.  Christ loved the church and came to bring it life and more abundant and the list goes on and on and on.  Honestly, who would have a problem submitting to someone that loved them to that degree.  A love that makes sure that she is safe and happy and secure.  A love that provides, that nourishes, that comforts, that builds up, that strengthens, that  motivates, that encourages, etc  WOW!!!!!!!!!!!  Come on, that’s worthy of submission and not only that, God commands it.   I know, first thing that comes to our minds as women is what if my husband is not all that.  Or as men, what if my wife want submit and I am a loving husband.  Yes, that is the problem of our study, which is what leads to divorce in the first place.  Jesus does deal with these issues later on and we will study them.    

For those who are still single and not yet married, I would encourage pre-marital counseling.  There are so many biblical roles of the man and woman that need to be discussed and need to be agreed upon before making this commitment.   I know we think that love will see us through everything and our love is strong enough to get through anything, well that was basically the testimony of every divorced couple.   

We need help understanding what our purpose is in marriage and it will help ensure   a successful marriage.  God’s way is perfect.   

God Bless.  Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily. 

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