Day 328

Ezekiel 45:1-46:24, 1 Peter 3:1-22, Proverbs 28:18-28

Yet again we return to one of those tricky passages that tell women they must submit to their men. This is one of those passages that is often used to try and claim women are the inferior sex and that, especially in marriage, they should always defer or bow to the man. It is also one of those passages which we read very differently when put in the wider context.

Just after the women submitting there is the direction to the husbands “in the same way” being considerate, treating with respect. This is a two way things, the chapter heading is “husbands and wives” not just ‘this is what the wife should do…’ Just as importantly Peter speaks of us all being heirs, a sense of equality, that we are all equal in line with the father.

There is then the model that provides the context, for we are all to submit to Christ. When we submit to Christ, what do we expect? An overpowering dominant figure, someone who will boss us around, someone who will lord their power over us? Or do we expect love, caring and consideration. Someone who will work with us in our weakness and build us up and continually work for our good.

If a wife is to submit to the husband then the husband must look to Christ for the example. And then we must all submit to Christ and his will in our lives.