Today's Reading: Small Catechism: Table of Duties, Husbands
Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 5:1-19; Matthew 22:23-46

"Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers." (Small Catechism: Table of Duties, Husbands)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Does Peter know what he sounds like? What's this "weaker partner" business? This is 2020! We aren't in the Dark Ages when women were considered weaker than men anymore! Come on, Peter! Get with the program!

Yes, the apostle knows what he's talking about. "Weaker partner" in Greek is more accurately translated as "weaker vessel," as in a container or plate. Not like a flawed strong vessel that has been weakened somehow, but more like "fragile."

Still sounds bad, doesn't it? Well, hold up. You have delicate vessels in your house. Your parents probably got them when they got married--those wonderful dishes that are only used on the most special occasions! You know what these are called: fine china.

Now, we are starting to get what the apostle is telling us! It's not that women are weaker than men. It's that they are more precious and delicate than men! You don't break out the fine china for a hamburger. No, you treat the fine china like it's the most precious thing in your world!

Husbands are given to treat their wives like they are the most important things in their world. All the things that a man thinks are most important to him take second seat to his wife.

Look at Jesus! He gives His life for His Bride, the Church. He treats Her as if there were nothing more important to Him than saving Her. Jesus, the Bridegroom, dies for Her.
A young man then should ask himself whether or not he can be Christ for the girl he wants to marry. Is she the most important person in his world? Is he willing to die for her like Christ died for His Bride? And she should ask herself whether she trusts this man to be Christ for her--to love her and give his life for her. Will he treat her like the finest china? If so, they should get married. If not, it's not meant to be.

Yes, the apostle Peter knows what he's talking about--how a husband should love a wife and how a wife should love her husband. But it's also about Jesus for you and me. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch