Marriage was the last relic of paradise left among men, and Jesus hasted to honour it with his first miracle.
Charles Spurgeon
“Strong Independent woman”. That was one of my mantras when I was in my teens and twenties. For this reason, it was hard for me to be submissive to my husband. In the earlier years of our relationship, I often forget to communicate with my husband throughout the day, which is one cause of our arguments.
My rationale was that “I was busy at work” or “I am not used to giving tabs to someone on my daily activities”. Wherein, Pavlo responds with “I am not just someone, I am your husband”. The in-depth meaning of him being my husband did not fully sink in until I read the scriptures.
History to Understand the Word of God
Want to know the History of the Persian Queen that was a Jew? Click here.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Esther 1:13-22. Please, read our recent devotional from the Letter of Paul to the Galatians 1:6-10: How Strong Is Your Conviction On The Gospel Of Christ?
Where it all began
The rejection of Queen Vashti to present herself before King Ahasuerus (Esther 1:12) made a commotion among the Persian princes and noblemen. They feared that if Persian women knew about this, they will follow what Vashti had done and look with contempt on their husbands (Esther 1:17). This agitation is not foreign, and it all began with our first parents.
Genesis 3:1-7 showed us the first time when God put the attitude of submission into the highlight. Adam and Eve failed to submit to God’s only rule, and that was not to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. The serpent tricked Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. Adam, having no other choice, ate as well when Eve offered it to him. In this way, they both disobeyed God and failed to submit to Him.
Genesis 3-16 revealed the judgement of God to Eve (women). Frist, “multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain, children shall be brought forth”. Second, “thy desire shall be towards your husband and he shall rule over you”. The word desire here is not about the emotional desire a woman has for her husband, but the desire to dominate and rule over her husband. The sin of Adam and Eve disrupted the harmonious God-given order in our relationships and turned into a battle of selfish desires.
Women’s Submission
The word ‘submission’ has a negative connotation nowadays. Especially when you talk about the relationship between a man and a woman. People think that if a wife submits to the husband, her rights, will, and freedom stripped away.
According to Pastor John MacArthur, “Feminist philosophy has penetrated almost every area of our society and has made significant inroads into the church.” (God’s High Calling For Women).
The feminist movement meant to bring equality for women in all aspects of life. Which by this cause is good, girls may receive the same education as boys. While women have the same opportunities as men for career development. Another good thing it brought about was the ability of women to vote.
But they do not base the root of this movement on the Truth. Pastor John MacArthur further explained it in his book God’s High Calling for Women: “The effort to overthrow the design of God for men and women is ultimately not a human effort. It is the effort of the archenemy of God, Satan, who uses sinful human agents to attain his goals”.
This is another evidence of how Satan is cunningly devious in his ways to prevent people from following the will of God.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- Women, do you have the desire to overpower or rule your husbands?
- Do you find submission challenging?
- What is your point of view about the Feminist movement?
- Do you consider yourself a feminist?
- How do you interpret being submissive?
- Does your interpretation base on what society dictates? Or is it based on God’s word?
- Will you obey God by being submissive to your husband?
Prayer
Our God, who is our Father in heaven. We glorify and praise your holy name. Thank you for giving us the ability, through the Holy Spirit, to submit to your will and obey your ways. O Lord Jesus Christ, your sacrifice on the cross for our sins showed us the true meaning of obeying our heavenly Father. May we live our lives every day under His will. That we may bring glory to His name and bring others to Him.
We pray in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
