Marriage Made in Heaven

July 16, 2008

By Gary Rogers

Jesus is the source of our salvation. He is our strength for life. He is our peace in every storm. He is our hope for eternity. Through Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary we have a provision of forgiveness of our sin, and through Him we are granted access into the presence of God. Jesus was God with us when He came to Earth, and now He is seated at the right hand of the Father in glory and honor.

Ephesians 5:22-33 compares the husband and wife relationship with the relationship between Jesus and the Church. In this comparison the Church takes on the role of the wife and Jesus is seen as the husband. As husband, Jesus is responsible for the welfare of the Church. He loves her with a sacrificial love. He nourishes and cherishes her. In response, the Church submits to Jesus and places trust and confidence in His love.

Ephesians 5:33 gives another responsibility of the wife and says, “… and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (NKJV). In the context of this teaching we find instruction for both husband and wife relationships and Jesus and the Church. Every Christian is part of the Church and takes the role of “wife” with Jesus being the “husband.” As the bride of Christ, we should never show disrespect for the husband.

I believe a lot of Christians unintentionally show disrespect to our heavenly Husband when we fail to trust God to meet our needs. Just as an earthly husband experiences joy knowing his family is cared for, so our Savior joyfully provides for us and wants us to trust Him for continued provision. The greatest disrespect a wife can show a husband is to make him believe that whatever he does is not enough.

Have you ever heard comments from Christians that sounded as if Jesus’ provision was never enough? Have you found yourself presenting your needs to your Savior with a voice of complaint rather than trust?

Take a moment now and thank your Savior for what He has already done in your life. Then joyfully anticipate all that He will continue to do. You are dearly loved, and every one of your life needs is important to your heavenly Husband.

— Gary Rogers is senior pastor of First Assembly of God in Coweta, Okla.