If God had the gospel of Jesus’s salvation in mind when he established marriage, then marriage only “works” to the degree that it approximates the pattern of God’s self-giving love in Christ. What Paul is saying not only answers the objection that marriage is oppressive and restrictive, but it also addresses the sense that the demands of marriage are overwhelming. There is so much to do that we don’t know where to start. Start here, Paul says. Do for your spouse what God did for you in Jesus, and the rest will follow. . . . [T]he gospel of Jesus and marriage explain one another. (Hardcover, pp. 46–47; paperback, pp. 42–43)
THE LIBERTY OF OBEDIENCE. Seen through the lens of dos and don’ts, the obligations of marriage can appear oppressive. But to see it as the joy of offering obedience to him rather than to a list of rules is liberating. When we first fall in love we almost ache to find ways of pleasing the other. We alter behavior and give up things—all for the pleasure of giving pleasure to the one we love. We don’t see such changes as “sacrifices,” though they are. Now think of Jesus and all he has done for us. Change your life first for him and then for each other. Sacrifice and submission allow us to participate in a cosmic dance that pulses with joy. All the powers of heaven rejoice to see a married couple following in the footsteps of Jesus.
Reflection: What are the changes you should make in yourself for the sake of your marriage that you are reluctant to do? How can the concepts in today’s devotional help you make them?
Thought for prayer: Meditate on Hebrews 12:2, how Jesus endured the pain of the Cross for us “for the joy set before him”—the joy of pleasing his Father and saving us. Ask God to help you serve your spouse out of joy in Christ’s salvation.