Devotionals - Active Word - May 21, 2010

Another relationship that reflects

This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Ephesians 5:32 (NKJV)

The Book of Genesis has shown us that marriage reflects the relational dynamics that exist within God's nature. Yet, it doesn't end there. The Bible also teaches us that marriage reflects another important relationship, a relationship that each and every Christian can relate to.

Paul points this out to us as he delivers his definitive teaching on marriage toward the end of his letter to the Church of Ephesus (Ephesians 5:21-33). For the remainder of this month, we're going to look at the different roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives. But before we dive right in, we need to establish the over-arching truth that binds and holds it all together. And that truth is this: Marriage is meant to mirror Christ's relationship with the Church.

That's essential for us to understand, because it gives us a spiritual standard that serves as a watermark for our earthly marriages. It's a comparison that cuts through the confusion and clarifies exactly who should do what.

Going forward, we will follow this important parallel: Husbands are to follow the example Christ has set in loving the Church, and wives are to follow the Church's example in submitting to Christ. We simply cannot lose sight of the fact that our respective roles and responsibilities in marriage are linked to this higher standard. Why is that? Because it's one thing to be told what to do. Husbands love your wives. Wives submit to your husbands. Quite frankly, that only gets a couple so far.

But when you actually see what you're told to do being modeled on a greater scale, when you see how it works and invites God's blessing, then it becomes much easier to follow and even celebrate.

Our relationship with Jesus teaches us a great lesson about our relationship with our spouse…let's be sure to learn it.

Think about it…

What does this passage reveal to me about God? 
What does this passage reveal to me about myself? 
Based on this, what changes do I need to make? 
What is my prayer for today? 

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