Submit to one another
Day 629, Saturday, May 2
Ephesians 5:21 – 6:9
This is a good time for a reminder that verse and chapter divisions were not in the original Bible manuscripts; they have been added over the years to make it more convenient for readers. Many contemporary Bible translations also add section headings, and these readings also split the books into more-or-less topical sections. I’m bringing this up now because the opening sentence of today’s reading is really a continuation of the thoughts from yesterday’s reading on avoiding anger and hatred.
Verse 5:21 says, “Submit yourselves to one another because of your reverence for Christ.”
Paul then makes three of his most counter-cultural claims from all of his letters to explain how far he is taking the command of mutual submission.
People of Paul’s day would have accepted it as self-evident that wives were to submit to husbands, children to parents and slaves to masters. In saying that wives, children and slaves should submit, Paul isn’t presenting commands; he is simply stating the realities of the day.
But then he breaks out of the mold of his era and makes the radical claim that husbands, parents and masters also owe their own submission because of their reverence for Christ. Husbands are to love their wives as sacrificially as Christ loves his church. Parents are not to mistreat their children. Masters are to remember that their slaves are human, and that both master and slave serve the same God and will be judged by the same standards.
Saturday meditation
Psalms 119:25-32
I lie defeated in the dust; revive me, as you have promised. I confessed all I have done, and you answered me; teach me your ways. Help me to understand your laws, and I will meditate on your wonderful teachings. I am overcome by sorrow; strengthen me, as you have promised. Keep me from going the wrong way, and in your goodness teach me your law. I have chosen to be obedient; I have paid attention to your judgments. I have followed your instructions, Lord; don’t let me be put to shame. I will eagerly obey your commands, because you will give me more understanding.
Prayer focus
I will eagerly obey your commands, because you will give me more understanding.
-Rev. Mark Fleming