ONE OF TWO

Paul told us to love our wives as Jesus loves the Church.

One of the things subtly pointed out in the New Testament Church was the camaraderie of the followers. Jesus was accompanied by the 12. In times of intimacy there were three, Peter, James, and John. And in the most intense moments of Jesus’ life, at His death on the cross, only John was present. After the Holy Spirit came, Peter and John ministered together, as did Paul and Barnabas. The disciples recognized the importance of fellowship.

We’ve all heard the cry, “You don’t have to go to church to be a Christian!” Some of us are even guilty of using it in a darker time of our walk. But the effective child of God recognizes, not only their need for fellowship, but also the importance of gathering as the Church, because it’s commanded, and for our good.

Even more specifically, how important is fellowship between the believing husband and wife! For those blessed to be married to a believer, it is critical that we recognize our opportunity, and responsibility, to implement deep fellowship with each other! Paul described the marriage between believers as an example of Christ and His relationship with the Church! Little is taught of this, because the composition of the Church is made up of youth, singles, and unaccompanied spouses. However, recent studies show a little over half of the Church is married couples. These couples could initiate a powerful influence over spirituality and worship in the Church. Imagine every church, bringing every husband and wife into holy matrimony!

Paul expressly told us to love our wives as Jesus loves the Church. His comparison of husbands to Jesus, implies this one practice could bring exultation to the Church of Jesus Christ! Not to mention, the impact on the children and extended families of those couples.

Here's a thought: What if the Family of God were made up of, The Families of God!?! It all began when He made one…of two.

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Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

~Ephesians 5:25 KJV

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

~Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 KJV

And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

~Revelation 21:9 KJV

Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

~John 13:23 KJV

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

~Ephesians 5:31-32 KJV