Devotion for Saturday, 7 May 2011 Anno Domini

Devotion for Saturday, 7 May 2011 Anno Domini
1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. (1 Peter 3:1-12)

Daughters of Abraham
“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives.” This is a much maligned principle today, but one whose application is just as warranted now by God’s Word as when first spoken. The relationship of husband and wife was instituted in the Garden at Eden. It is altogether fitting that there should be one or the other who should be designated as the head. Why the man? Remember in the Garden that Eve was beguiled (seduced) by the serpent. She was deceived! Was Adam deceived? “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” (1 Tim 2:14). Then why did Adam partake of the forbidden fruit after Eve? Adam, though fallen in nature, is an early type of Christ – a type as well as an anti-type. He loved his wife dearly. She was the most precious of all God had placed before him. If she were going to die, Adam, I believe, opted to share her fate just as Christ died, and rose again, for His Bride the Church. Adam is an anti-type in the sense that through him, sin and death passed upon the entire race; but, in Christ, we are made alive! “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Cor 15:22). The unbelieving man may even, though lost in Eden, be saved in marriage by the example of a loving wife.

“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands.” There is pride in fashion and cosmetic adorning, but true beauty is always on the inside where the finer treasures of the heart are kept on deposit. Beauty and quiet spirit are the qualities belonging most abundantly to the distaff. That which is incorruptible is hidden in the treasures of the snow and the springs of Mt. Hermon – seen rarely, but precious for their uncommon beauty.
“Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are.” What a privilege to be so named. The Daughter of Abraham! Sara was beautiful, both in appearance and in hidden virtue and character. Being such a daughter is a gift of God to those who believe! “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16), and, “And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Gal 3:29). The children of the promise are the children of Abraham and, therefore, the children of promise. You are a Promise, good ladies, and that of God.
“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” God places a very high principle upon the husband to abide and keep. We are to honor our wives as the most precious and rarest vase in the land. There is only one like her, and her value is above rubies! (Prov 31:10) Why rubies and not diamonds? Because the beauty of diamond comes from refracted light whose origin is external, but the beauty of the crimson and sacrificial ruby springs from deep within its nature as a ruby. The husband is to love the wife even more than himself. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” (Eph 5:25) This last verse demonstrates the impossibility of an abusive husband if he is obedient to God in marriage!
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.” One mind with that Mind which was in Christ – this is the ultimate state of joy for men in this life and the life to come. “Pure spring water comes from deep in the earth and is wholesome to drink, but surface streams and rivers have been polluted by the poisons of men. Let your heart be a spring of pure water of life so that all that proceeds from your mouth has, as its source, this purity of life from God.
“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” You are being watched over and heard if you are righteous, but on the watch-list if evil. Be watched over today!