Submission
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Ephesians 5:22
Read Colossians 3:18-25
The Christian women in Ephesus were once heathens. In that society, they
were consumer products to lust after, and consequently they had no rights.
All this changed in the Christian congregation, according to what the Lord
requires from women.
Our text today teaches us that the wife must be submissive to her husband,
as unto the Lord. A distortion of this submission can be prevented when a
couple bows their knees together before the Lord and serve Him together
in their marriage.
Feminists do not have any understanding of this; they do not comprehend
what it is to be a woman in the biblical sense of the word. Just as a congregation
is called to be submissive to Christ, women are to be submissive to their
own husbands (Ephesians 5:24). It is such a blessing that the Lord, who has
laid down His life, leads and governs His congregation. The power for His
people’s submission lies precisely in His self-denying love. Those who have
learned to humble themselves before God will know something of His rule
over their lives.
In this way, the head of a household may be a blessing as he gives leadership
and guidance to his family. He is called to protect them from all kinds of
danger. The woman is also called to take her God-given place in married life.
By nature, this does not suit us. We all want to be in control. Many women
want to rule in the home. But when a woman tries to take her husband’s
role, she inadvertently causes marriage problems. Let us therefore not distance
ourselves from the biblical norms regarding submission.
Thought: In a Christian marriage, the husband ought to rule the home, and
the wife is called to submit.
Psalter 271:1 (based on Psalm 101)
Of mercy and of justice My thankful song shall be;
O Lord, in joyful praises My song shall rise to Thee.
Within my house I purpose To walk in wisdom’s way;
O Lord, I need Thy presence; How long wilt Thou delay?
