March 24, 2007
For Her
READ: Ephesians 5:22-33
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her. —Ephesians 5:25 When my wife had dental surgery, she was out of commission for the weekend. While she was recuperating, I had the daunting task of taking care of her and the kids. I cooked, washed dishes, made special trips to the store for her, and bathed the kids. When I saw all I had done, I thought to myself, I deserve extra credit and reciprocal service when she gets better. Before I gave myself too many pats on the back, however, the Holy Spirit reminded me that what I was doing was my privilege and duty as a Christian husband.
In Paul’s time, many believed the husband’s needs dominated the household, and the wife existed to fulfill his needs and to serve him. The Christian view was quite different, however. Women were seen as persons of equal worth. The wife was transformed from an accessory to a person of intrinsic value, becoming the focus of her husband’s concern. Instead of demanding that she live for him, he was to serve her!
Ephesians 5:25 portrays Christ as loving the church and giving Himself for her. And verse 29 indicates that Jesus nourishes and cares for her. As husbands pursue Christlikeness, they have the privilege and duty to sacrifice, nurture, and care for their wives.
Their marriage still can thrive;
But both must look to God for help—
He’ll keep their love alive. —Branon
