Through the Bible - Exodus 27-28, Philemon
Good morning,
For today's verses we'll go to the book of Colossians, to chapter 3 which give us good advice for living the Christian life in the household.
We talked about this passage in our high school Bible study group yesterday. We encouraged the students that these were good words to remember and live by should they one day find a spouse and decide to raise a family.
Col 3:18 You wives must submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.
19 And you husbands must love your wives and never treat them harshly.
20 You children must always obey your parents, for this is what pleases the Lord. NLT
In the last few decades, verse 18 in particular has come under criticism as being sexist. But it must be thought of in the context of Christian marriage, with the two becoming one flesh. The institution goes back to the second chapter of the Bible. Gen 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. NKJV
It starts with a husband and wife living as one with their family living under the authority and in submission to God as Lord and Master. It is through living according to God's Word, His principles that the family can live in harmony.
As I was driving yesterday I listened to the song "Our Master" by Matthew Ward. It is a simple song which starts with Matthew Ward singing the first stanza with a female singing the same stanza. They then sing the refrain together as one in harmony. It was a good picture of husband and wife in harmony with each other with God as their ultimate "Master". It is not so much about rights as it is right living.
Our master our savior
You are Lord our king
Our master our Savior
We give our praise
To our King, To our King
(Repeat)
You are the everlasting Father
The beginning and the end
There is no one that can take your place
There is no other name
If we want harmony in our lives, in our marriages and family, it will come by submitting to one another under God, honoring one another, and loving each other as He would have us love, "not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord."(3:22 ESV).
You are Lord our king
Our master our Savior
We give our praise
To our King, To our King
(Repeat)
You are the everlasting Father
The beginning and the end
There is no one that can take your place
There is no other name
If we want harmony in our lives, in our marriages and family, it will come by submitting to one another under God, honoring one another, and loving each other as He would have us love, "not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord."(3:22 ESV).
Read the passage below as a good way to start off the week, thinking about your place in this world, remembering that it is the Lord who you are serving.
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com
mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Col 3:18-25
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. NIV
No comments:
Post a Comment