By URL I do not mean the Abbreviation for “Uniform Resource Locator;” rather, Understanding, Respect, and Love.
Come the 3rd of Dec, Stella and I would be celebrating our 29th year of marriage. It has been a constant learning, discovery, and revelation. I wonder if God intentionally instructed the husband to love the wife,1 and not understand her? It seems only through a long intimate relationship, shall he unravel and understand (somehow) her complexity.
Growth brings complexity; thus, it is important to bring clarity. In the book of Mark we find an interesting incident wherein a scribe finds the disciples disputing among themselves, and seeing how Jesus answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’” 2 Interestingly, this command is a direct quote from Deuteronomy 6:4-5; but adding ‘mind’ to the command. Think, why?
God’s ways and thoughts are far above ours.3 To bring a deeper appreciation of the OT, realize that what was written was a foreshadow of the Good News, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.4 Apparently, God gives a command to love Him. Yet, on our own effort we cannot due to our sinful nature.5 Almost the entire OT is God’s process of disclosure of who He is; through his various Names he unfolds himself, enough for us to fear him. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.6 This fear is a reverential kind of fear that compels respect. In the NT, repeatedly we are told to think about the things written. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.7 Could it be possible that he reversed the process of discovery to create an unquenchable desire for God?
Thinking brings understanding; understanding, respect; and respect, love. This recent family trip allowed for us to come back 2 weeks earlier than Stella. We were forced to distribute the household chores and responsibilities among ourselves sans Stella. To say that “It is a stretch!” is an understatement. I could so relate to what Gary Thomas wrote in his book, Sacred Marriage. “Over time, we developed a profound appreciation for what the other person was doing. . . This new understanding has ushered in a stronger empathy for each other in our weaknesses and peculiarities.”8 This mystery of marriage is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.9
Notes:
1. Ephesians 5:25
2. Mark 12:28-30
3. Isaiah 55:8-9
4. Colossians 1:26
5. John 6:44
6. Proverbs 9:10
7. 2 Timothy 2:7
8. Thomas, Gary. Sacred Marriage, Holy Honor, p64
9. Ephesians 5:32
