32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. – Ephesians 5:32–33
Have you ever heard a man or woman say that the other is a mystery? It’s often a statement made when one can’t understand the ways of the other, in regards to a budding relationship. Can you hear the comments? “Why hasn’t he called…?" "Is she ever going to text me back…?" "Are they interested in a relationship or not…?” In exasperation they cry out, “Ugh, why are men… Why are women such a mystery?” Have you ever been there? Indeed.
It’s fascinating that we use the word mystery to describe our lack of understanding in relationships. As a matter of fact, it becomes down-right ironic when we stop and consider mystery is the word the bible uses to describes marriage itself. You see, if a relationship or marriage has ever been difficult to understand, take heart because you’re not alone.
Inside the mystery of marriage is an incredible theological truth that’s difficult to understand. Beyond the fact that God created male and female unique from one another, there is the glorious picture that emanates from the relationship that functions as God designed. You see, it’s a mystery how men and women can be so different yet come together so beautifully. It’s a mystery how God implanted His attributes into the husband and wife that they can reflect His glory. It’s virtually unfathomable to grasp how the husband and wife can adorn the gospel and serve as a symbol to the watching world of God’s redeeming love. My word. It’s a mystery how a man can love his wife as Christ loves the church and how a wife can respect her husband as the church honors Christ.
Well, if you ever wondered how this mystery works, our text this week is the key. This Sunday as we study Ephesians 5:21-33, we will come to grasp how the mystery of marriage fits into the mystery of the gospel and how it strengthens the mystery of the church. Are you curious about all these mysteries? Good. Let’s come together this Sunday and learn how the Lord is calling us to Cherish our Relationships.
Here is the worship set to help you prepare your heart for Sunday.
Love you Church,
Jerry Lingenfelter
Senior Pastor