Today's Reading: Small Catechism: Table of Duties, Wives

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 23:21-40; Matthew 25:31-46

Wives submit to your own husbands as to the Lord. (Small Catechism: Table of Duties, Wives)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Submission in the world is the way of power and force. It's one person dominating another, being in charge of another. But this is NOT what Paul's talking about here with wives and husbands! Submission between husbands and wives, as far as Christians are concerned, has to do with serving and being served. It's the way of love, the way of Christ FOR YOU.

Jesus is Lord, but not in the almighty power way. He does have that. But Jesus is Lord for you in the saving-you way, the dying way. Lord means Savior. "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).

He gave His life for the sake of His Bride, the Church. She is His own Body. He is Her Head, Her Savior. The Church submits to Christ by being saved by Him. He submits Himself for Her sake, to die and rise for Her. You are a member of His Body, for you are baptized into Him through "the washing of water and the Word," (Ephesians 5:26) and you receive His Body and Blood as "He feeds and cares for her" (Ephesians 5:29). His Bride is more important than His own life. You and I are, too, for we were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:11).

So, ladies, the best husband is one who will serve you as Christ served the Church. Guys, the best lady is the one you would serve and put first. Dying to self, putting another's life and wants first--husband's submission. Dying to self, letting another serve--wife's submission. "Submit to one another out of reverence to Christ" (Ephesians 5:21).

This all points to Christ. It's why He, His Father, and the Spirit created us. It's why He marries and gives in marriage. "What God has joined together..." (Matthew 19:6). He gives His life for His Bride, the Church, His Body. You are of that Body.

It's not the way the world does it. Christ's serving, forgiving, is His being your Lord, your Savior. It's true with us, too. Loving. Serving. Forgiving. He works that in us by His Spirit. Faith toward God and sincere love for each other, even husbands and wives. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. (Ephesians 5:23 NIV)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch