Ephesians 5:22-24

          Wisdom and insight are certainly in demand in marriage, the most rewarding and difficult earthly relationship.  A brief study of the history of marriage in the Bible reveals why it is both rewarding and difficult.

·        God created the man and woman in His image (Gen. 1:27).  Each was designed to have fellowship with Him and to work together overseeing and enjoying God’s creation.

·        For this relationship God gave them roles as helper and head (Gen. 2:18-24).  Adam, created first, would be helped by Eve, made from Adam’s side.  This relationship was free of pride and selfishness.

·        All this came crashing down when Eve was deceived and both disobeyed God (Gen. 3:1-8).  Adam bore the responsibility for failing to exercise spiritual leadership.  Both were placed under a curse for doubting God’s goodness in providing for their needs.

·        In His judgment on the woman (Gen. 3:16) God indicated that the pattern evident in their sin would be repeated the rest of their lives and throughout history.  The woman would desire her husband’s position.  (Desire here is a sinful desire as seen in it’s only other use in Gen. 4:7, where sin desired to control Cain.)  The man would rule over his wife.  The rule spoken of here is the man’s cruelty seen either in abusing the woman or failing to provide for and protect her.

          Thus there was set in place a relationship of competition and cruelty in the marriage relationship.  God’s answer to this grievous situation was 2-fold:  1) He promised a Savior through whom the man and woman could find forgiveness (Gen. 3:15); and 2) God established and modeled (in Christ) the submission and love by which the man and woman could again have a satisfying relationship.

          Submission is often regarded as an encouragement for men to abuse women.  But this fails to understand the essence and power of the Biblical concept.  The term means to rank under and is originally a military term.  Note that the woman is called to submit herself to her husband.  This is the means by which she returns to the creative role as helper.  Submission calls on the woman to creatively and lovingly help her husband succeed in his life before the Creator.  

          The woman is to have this attitude as to the Lord.  It is not something she gives to her husband because it is easy or because he’s always right but because she longs to glorify God and His word (Titus 2:5).  She acknowledges that the man’s leadership in the home is God’s idea.

          The woman is given an example to follow.  One might ask how the church is subject to Christ.  To be subject to Christ grudgingly or of necessity (2 Cor. 9:7) in fact dishonors Christ.  Instead the believer follows Christ cheerfully, seeking every opportunity to exalt Him and serve Him enthusiastically.  

          Are you seeing the effects of the curse in marriage?  Are you experiencing forgiveness in Christ?  Are you committed to God’s plan through submission?