Psalm 101, 102 & 103, 104
Job 6:1, 7:1-21
Acts 10:1-16
John 7:1-13
Higher Things reflection
“What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.” (The Small Catechism)
Remember the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39)? Joseph was a good-looking young man and Potiphar’s wife wanted to mess around with him. Joseph was a godly man, so he said no. One day Potiphar’s wife insisted, grabbed his cloak, and pulled him toward her bed. Joseph ran away so quickly that he left his cloak behind.
Joseph most likely didn’t live in a time as sexually charged as ours, but the principles are the same. Make every effort to avoid the temptation of thought, words, and deeds while keeping in mind that we are by nature sinful flesh and have to call upon God to guide us in the right direction.
We have heard God’s Word, we know what is right. We shouldn’t look at images that cause us to lust. We shouldn’t go to places where we will be tempted to be unfaithful. We should not do anything to lead ourselves into situations that cause us to sin. It only takes a spark to get a fire going.
God knows our hearts and has established a proper usage of our sexuality. It is God’s gift of marriage. One man and one woman united as one for a life time. Marriage (and only marriage) is the place given by God for a man and a woman become one.
Marriage is the place where we see a picture of the relationship between Christ and His Bride, the Church. Christ loves His bride and gives up His life for her. He is faithful to her, even when she is not.
He washes her unfaithfulness away in the water and the word. He gives her life and she receives His gift of salvation and is saved. He loves her that much!
In the same way, marriage is the gift given by God to those to whom it is given. A husband is a gift from God, uniquely given to his wife. A wife is a gift from God, uniquely made just for man.
Is this gift for you? We’ll see at your wedding. There at your wedding you will see that the Lord gave you this spouse.
“Be faithful, keep the marriage vow; The straying thought do not allow, keep all your conduct free from sin, by self-control discipline. Have mercy, O Lord!” (LW #331)
¶ 9/20/2006 04:40:00 AM 0 Comments
