RPG Adults
HONOUR - COMMANDED OR GAINED?
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15
Esther 1:22
Romans 13:1-7
"… the powers that be
are ordained of God."
HONOUR - COMMANDED OR GAINED?
Pleased with Memucan’s suggestion to make a show of Vashti for her rebelliousness, and to pass the decree that "all the wives shall give to their husbands honour" (Esther 1:20), the king proceeded to send out his new edict to all provinces, i.e. 127 provinces, stretching from India to Ethiopia (Esther 1:1). This new law was translated into every language of each nation and given to every people, so that none could claim ignorance. The purpose of the command was to ensure that every man (male) should "bear rule" (Esther 1:22) or to be lord over, to rule as a prince in governing his own house. The irony is that this rapid, empirewide proclamation probably served to highlight more vividly the king’s humiliation by his queen! Would not such an edict only serve to cause bad husbands and fathers to be tyrants at home, and the household to have no recourse? This may cause "contempt and wrath" (Esther 1:18) in the wife too.
Memucan’s proposal that all wives submit to honour their husbands, and the husband is to be the head in his home, is a good ideology for marriage. But, biblically, it is incomplete. God’s command for marriage includes the husband to love his wife; be willing to sacrifice anything, even his own life, for her; and to nourish and cherish her (Eph 5:25-29). With such a husband, the wife will submit joyfully, honour lovingly, and obey willingly. It is true that the Christian wife should submit regardless of whether her husband is loving or not, and it is equally biblical that the husband must love even if the wife is not submissive. True and lasting blessedness in marriage is when both obey God’s command. It would be very sad if a husband has to shout for honour and if a wife has to scream for love. Honour should be earned even in a marriage relationship. We cannot behave irresponsibly, live sinfully, act arrogantly, live selfishly, and yet expect honour and respect. Those who need to command others to give respect only reveal that they have failed to earn or deserve it.
THOUGHT: How is my behavior and attitude towards my spouse, family, and friends?
PRAYER: Lord, make me a biblical spouse.
Posted in Adult RPG
Esther 1:22
Romans 13:1-7
"… the powers that be
are ordained of God."
HONOUR - COMMANDED OR GAINED?
Pleased with Memucan’s suggestion to make a show of Vashti for her rebelliousness, and to pass the decree that "all the wives shall give to their husbands honour" (Esther 1:20), the king proceeded to send out his new edict to all provinces, i.e. 127 provinces, stretching from India to Ethiopia (Esther 1:1). This new law was translated into every language of each nation and given to every people, so that none could claim ignorance. The purpose of the command was to ensure that every man (male) should "bear rule" (Esther 1:22) or to be lord over, to rule as a prince in governing his own house. The irony is that this rapid, empirewide proclamation probably served to highlight more vividly the king’s humiliation by his queen! Would not such an edict only serve to cause bad husbands and fathers to be tyrants at home, and the household to have no recourse? This may cause "contempt and wrath" (Esther 1:18) in the wife too.
Memucan’s proposal that all wives submit to honour their husbands, and the husband is to be the head in his home, is a good ideology for marriage. But, biblically, it is incomplete. God’s command for marriage includes the husband to love his wife; be willing to sacrifice anything, even his own life, for her; and to nourish and cherish her (Eph 5:25-29). With such a husband, the wife will submit joyfully, honour lovingly, and obey willingly. It is true that the Christian wife should submit regardless of whether her husband is loving or not, and it is equally biblical that the husband must love even if the wife is not submissive. True and lasting blessedness in marriage is when both obey God’s command. It would be very sad if a husband has to shout for honour and if a wife has to scream for love. Honour should be earned even in a marriage relationship. We cannot behave irresponsibly, live sinfully, act arrogantly, live selfishly, and yet expect honour and respect. Those who need to command others to give respect only reveal that they have failed to earn or deserve it.
THOUGHT: How is my behavior and attitude towards my spouse, family, and friends?
PRAYER: Lord, make me a biblical spouse.
Posted in Adult RPG