Pastor’s Note – April 29, 2023

1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. 7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.  1 Peter 3:1-7

It was one of my first multi-day hikes between mountain villages in Indonesia. The adventure of it all that seemed so wildly wonderful at the beginning now seemed foolhardy. I was looking down a chasm to a raging river wondering how we would climb down the steep incline and then cross the torrent. I was told there was a bridge, but at first glance, my mind told me the vines twisted together could not be accurately called a ‘bridge’. They looked too thin and too dangerous to use. I scanned the area for another way. I thought of alternative ways to cross. Could we build a raft? (it would need to be water-rapids-proof) Or tie ropes to our bodies? (we didn’t bring any ropes!) Or find another crossing? (I was assured this was the best spot).

So gently I stuck a toe out, then one foot, and finally two feet with all my weight. It held! The ancient way to cross was trustworthy! My skepticism relieved, slowly and with increasing confidence in the vine bridge, I made my way safely to the other side.

It’s not uncommon today to respond to Scripture’s teaching about marriage in a similar way regardless of our martial status. It may initially seem foolhardy and too thin or dangerous to obey. We may look for alternatives that lead to painful, unsuccessful attempts. Can I encourage you to stick a toe out to hear the Bible’s teaching about marriage this Sunday, then put the full weight of your marriage on it? Peter’s teaching on how we are “Forged into Oneness” may seem crazy to trust at first glance, but in the end gets us safely home. I can’t wait to show it to you in this week’s sermon.

Here’s the worship set to help you prepare as well!

See you Sunday!