Grace Notes 2024-06-19
This week we will take a look at the responsibilities of husbands and wives according to Scripture as categorized in Martin Luther’s Table of Duties in the “Small Catechism.” First, we will begin the duties of husbands.
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. (1 Peter 3:7)
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. (Col. 3:19)
Next, we consider the duties of wives.
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. (Eph. 5:22)
They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. (1 Peter 3:5–6)
Headship and submission are not typical words used today in regard to the relationship between husbands and wives. That’s too bad. Such Biblical notions (God’s Word to us) are out of vogue. In step today is the wreckage that accompanies neglect of God’s wisdom. The following passage of Scripture used to be a standard text at weddings.
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. (Eph. 5:23-24)
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. (Eph. 5:26-27)
Part of our reluctance to receive Biblical Instruction has to do with our misunderstanding of headship and submission. Headship has to do with taking the initiative, not lording it over another. And submission has to do with offering support for godly initiatives, not becoming a doormat. I suggest we all submit to God’s headship, and not rebel against it…
Since You Asked…
What is the purpose and meaning of our Votive Prayer Candles?
To “light a candle for someone” means that you will say a prayer for them. The candle symbolizes your prayers. When we light a candle it is a sign of attentiveness and that we are being purposeful in offering intercessory prayer. It is an important act in which we are involved! To be in prayer is to be spiritually awake and vigilant. And as the candle continues to burn it symbolizes our ongoing prayers. It is a sign to others that prayers are being offered. In such an atmosphere, indeed the darkness gives way to light.