Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
-Ephesians 5:25-27
Her voice was quiet and gentle, but I couldn't help overhearing as she spoke to the elderly gentleman at her side. "It's about your wife. There is Covid where she is living, and we wondered if you would be okay with not visiting for a little while. It's just to keep you both safe. I would be happy to go to your room and help you make a video call in the meantime."
His response, too, was gentle but laced with conviction. "Well, I don't know. My ministry to my wife is very important. I read her the Scriptures and pray with her twice a day. Video calls don't really work well for me. But if it's for the good of the community, I guess ... that's okay."
As she continued to speak, her kindness and personal interest in his situation was evident. I had no doubt she would follow through with ensuring his connection to his wife, albeit virtual rather than physical.
But what echoed in my heart were his words of spiritual commitment to his spouse. Although aging and health denied them living together due to differing needs of care, his purpose and priority did not waver. His wife was his ministry.
What a beautiful example of Ephesians 5:25-27 in our real and difficult world. And what a needed reminder of what marriage commitment is all about. For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance ..."
Marriage is not only about romance, companionship, or even raising a family. Of eternal and spiritual significance, it is about becoming more like Christ. In an often misjudged and misunderstood command, the apostle Paul calls upon wives to submit to their husbands. But he then specifically entrusts to husbands the role of Christlike love and service, sacrifice and sanctification towards their wives. "Having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word ..." Is this not what the elderly gentleman emulated with the importance he placed on reading the Scriptures with his wife daily?
Time spent among saints in their senior years never fails to stir me to reflection. I feel deep gratitude for those who have stayed faithful all the many years. Their example is one to honor and to follow, for they are following Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment