31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[b] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. – Ephesians 5:31 – 33
This whole chapter contains some extraordinary teaching, but I think it reaches a pinnacle with verse 31. In our general culture this seems like some quaint historical reference. A young man living with mum and dad is to move in with his bride after their wedding. However, it is not just an obvious statement about marriage but a reminder to us that Jesus left his heavenly glory to be united to us. At great cost he became one with us in our sinfulness so that we can be unified with him in his victory over sin and death. He acted to ensure such a close of relationship with his people that Paul describes this relationship as “a profound mystery.” That is a matter for us to enjoy and contemplate for the rest of eternity.
This also provides us with a pattern for relationships in general and especially for marriage. We show love as Christ loved us. We show deep respect (literally “fear” but better understood as respect or reverence) as we show it to Jesus.
May our prayer today be, “Lord, thank you for the love of my Lord Jesus. Please help me to reflect his relationship with me in my relationships with others; especially the closest ones.”
David Johnston – Creek Road Campus
